NEW DIMENSIONS FOR NAVAL CATAMARANS

Abstract : Significant advances have been made in catamaran technology which center around two new developments: (1) completion of new hydrodynamic procedures for underwater hull design and (2) emergence of the low-waterplane (LWP) catamaran as a promising new form. Seakeeping experiments have confirmed the excellent motion qualities of the LWP catamaran. Data are presented which compare #pitch, heave, and roll of the LWP catamaran with conventional catamaran forms and a monohull CVA. New approaches are needed to the design of efficient, lightweight steel structures. Efforts in this area are described, and a design example is presented. Structural weight densities for hull, strut, and bridge are included and compared with familiar monohulls. Additional topics include space, weight, and propulsion machinery considerations. The report concludes with a synthesis of LWP catamaran qualities and application to a current Navy ship concept.