THE INFLUENCE OF A BOTTOM MUD LAYER ON THE RESISTANCE OF MARINE VEHICLES

The inviscid flow around a marine vehicle translating in water of finite depth with a soft underlying layer of mud is computed using a linearized theory. A uniform layer of mud with a specified density and viscoelastic properties is assumed. The theory is applied to (a) an air-cushion vehicle (ACV) travelling over water with a muddy bed, (b) an ACV travelling over a muddy layer alone, and (c) a Wigley hull travelling in water with a muddy bed. Results are validated against limiting cases of viscoelasticity and density. The mud layer has a profound effect on the resistance, particularly for relatively shallow water.