Seakeeping response of a surface effect ship in near-shore transforming seas

Scale-model laboratory tests of a surface effect ship (SES) conducted in a near-shore transforming wave field are discussed. Waves approaching a beach in a wave tank were used to simulate transforming sea conditions and a series of experiments were conducted with a 1:30 scale model SES traversing in heads seas. Pitch and heave motion of the vehicle were recorded in support of characterizing the seakeeping response of the vessel in developing seas. The aircushion pressure and the vessel speed were varied over a range of values and the corresponding vehicle responses were analyzed to identify functional dependence on these parameters. The results show a distinct correlation between the air-cushion pressure and the response amplitude of both pitch and heave.