Review article
Multi-Hulls: Some New Options as the Result of Science Development
Victor A. Dubrovsky
; Independent Designer, 114-71 Budapeshtskaja Str., St. Petersburg, 192283, Russia
Abstract
The widespread development of multi-hull ships began in the second half of the twentieth century. Today, many hundreds of multi-hull ships of various designs are being built. This intensive development can be explained by the specifi c characteristics of multi-hull ships. A multi-hull ship can consist of various numbers of hulls and of hulls of various common or uncommon shapes and/or hulls with small water-plane areas (SWA ships). Any type of multi-hull ship differs from other multi-hulls and mono-hulls because of its own specifi c features, and its own advantages and disadvantages.
The main characteristics of multi-hulls are examined briefl y here. Their larger deck area compared to that of mono-hull ships means that all multi-hulls are more economical for most types of
“volume” cargoes, including passengers in cabins or saloons, cars and other wheeled vehicles, light containers, laboratories, weapons, aircraft and helicopters, and so on. Similarly, in comparison
with corresponding mono-hulls, a suffi ciently greater, and simply achievable, transverse stability is the important reason for higher safety in multi-hulls. A larger permissible aspect ratio of these
hulls also makes them more energy effi cient at higher speeds. The relatively large size of the hull connecting platform is the main reason for higher non-sinkability and higher safety. All multi-hull
ships are generally more seaworthy than their mono-hull counterparts. The ships with small waterplane area (SWA) have the best performance characteristics regarding seakeeping. The strength
specifi city of multi-hulls plays the leading role in determining transverse loads.
Multi-hull ship specifi c features are the reason for possible wider application in order to improve the main characteristics of ships and/or for various other purposes. A general picture of multi-hulls,
newly proposed by the author, is presented. Some examples of such options are given.
Keywords
multi-hull; catamaran; small water-plane area; deck area; stability; performance
Hrčak ID:
56871
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2010.
Visits: 3.148 *