Trimaran Resistance Artificial Neural Network

The location of trimaran side-hulls (amas) plays an important role in the wave-making resistance of the vessel. This research investigated interference effects for a Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) sealift concept design. The experiments were conducted at Webb Institute’s Robinson Model Basin over a two year period. This data is thought to be one of the most comprehensive sets of test data on side-hull placement for a single model. The experimental results have been incorporated into four artificial neural networks (ANN). The end result is a series of matrix equations that continuously predicts residuary resistance, trim and sinkage, over a range of staggers and transverse spacings for the concept hull. While the ANN results are specific to the vessel in question, they shed light on the level of sensitivity of side-hull placement on trimaran calm water resistance