Computation of wet deck bow slam loads for catamaran arched cross sections

A computational model for catamaran wet deck slamming is developed on the basis of the variation of added mass as the hulls enter the water. In the case of a wave-piercing catamaran the bow cross section has a double arch cross section and slamming occurs when the arches fill. Residual air is entrained at the top of the arch due to bubble formation by turbulent mixing and this modifies the effect of the water added mass on the hull. The computational model therefore introduces a soft connection between the water added mass associated with the slam and the hull. The method has been evaluated by comparison with two-dimensional model drop tests in terms of the maximum forces and acceleration imposed on the hull, the variation of velocity during the slam event and the depth of penetration into the water. It is concluded that the added mass computation is adequate for slam modelling in global motions and loads calculations since it gives a good representation of the maximum total forces on the section and their duration. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.