Theoretical Prediction of Motions of High-Speed Planing Boats in Waves

A theoretical method is derived for predicting the linearized response characteristics of constant deadrise high-speed planing boats in head and following waves. Comparisons of the theoretical predictions of the pitch and heave response amplitude operators and phase angles with existing experimental data show reasonably good agreement for a wide variety of conditions of interest. It appears that nonlinear effects are more severe at a speed to length ratio of 6 than of, say, 4 or less, principally because of the reduction of the damping ratio of the boat with increasing speed, and the consequent increase in motions in the vicinity of the resonant encounter frequency. However, it is concluded that the linear theory can provide a simple and fast means of determining the effect of various parameters such as trim angle, deadrise, loading, and speed on the damping, natural frequency, and linearized response in waves, and that this can furnish valuable insight into the actual boat dynamics, even though the accurate predictions of large motions and peak accelerations would require a nonlinear analysis.