Hydrodynamics analysis of stepped planing hull under different physical and geometrical conditions

Stepped planing hulls are improved high-speed crafts with the main characteristics of low drag to lift ratio. In the current paper, we numerically investigated the hydrodynamic performance of stepped planing hull via 3D CFD analysis. To this accomplishment, without step and stepped planing hulls with one transverse step are simulated with free heave and pitch motions under different weight loadings, trim angles, Froude numbers and distances of LCG from aft body. Resistance to weight ratio, pressure distribution, and centerline and 0.25 line wake profiles are computed. CFD results are appropriately validated compared to our conducted experimental laboratory tests. Developed formulation to predict wake profile is also suggested.