The investigation of wetdeck slamming phenomenon is a challenging Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) problem for both experimental and numerical analysis, requiring detailed design and structural assessment of the physical model. The focus of this paper is to document the design approach and the testing effort devoted to provide a reliable and well identified physical model before the towingtank tests were carried out for giving key insights into the wetdeck load and responses as well as an FSI validation dataset for numerical solvers. Thus, one of the main objectives is reducing the uncertainty linked to the modeling of the multi-hull structure by performing a series of both static and dynamic characterization tests on the as built catamaran model. The insight gained from this test campaign will be used to update the structural models coupled within the FSI solvers to increase the accuracy of the predicted hydrodynamic loading. Among FSI problems still receiving positive attention in ship and offshore engineering, the accurate prediction of complex loading and responses on multi-hull vessels is particularly demanding, since it involves two-way coupling of the deck structure with the flow impinging on it. Currently, there is a gap in available experimental FSI data related to this problem that can be used for numerical solver validation. Current FSI data sets are severely limited by the uncertainties associated with the experimental setups. Furthermore, though segmented model tests have become more feasible and popular for monohulls, not many experimental campaigns (Hermundstad et al. 1995, Kyyro & Hakala 1997, Cheng, F. 1997) exist for segmented catamarans that provide both global and local loads and hull responses. The only systematic investigation on elastically scaled catamarans was carried out by Lavroff et al. (2007, 2013). Dessi et al. (2016) have already illustrated the preliminary experimental results on an elastically scaled model of a SWATH aimed to accurately depict the wave loading and structural response from seakeeping tests. In the present paper the focus is instead on the structural tests performed for the physical model qualification with an extended account of the dry and wet vibration mode identification of the entire catamaran.

Progress in the Analysis and Design of Marine Structures : Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Marine Structures (MARSTRUCT 2017), May 8-10, 2017, Lisbon, Portugal

Xiaoshun Yan

Papers

Prediction of Fatigue Crack Growth in a Ship Detail under Wave-Induced Loading