Trimaran Hull form Optimization Using Shipflow®

Abstract

Trimaran is the most promising hull form for naval vessels because of its excellent performance characteristics notably reduced wave making resistance, larger deck area, good sea keeping and ability to perform optimally in a range of speeds. In its most generic form it consists of a slender centre hull and two side hulls. High slenderness ratio, differential breadth to draft ratios, stagger/separation of the hull forms gives an edge over equivalent monohulls/catamarans in minimising wave making resistance. However it's furher possible to reduce the wave making resistance by means of advancements to the existing design which can include bulb & wave piercing forms, stern wedge/flap/interceptors, asymmetry in side hull configuration, lifting bodies etc. The present paper investigates the qualitative performance of trimaran hull form modified to various configurations using Shipflow.