High Froude Number Experimental Investigation of the 2 DOF Behavior of a Multihull Float in Head Waves

Dynamic Velocity Prediction Programs are taking an increasingly prominent role in high performance yacht design, as they allow to deal with seakeeping abilities and stability issues. Their validation is however often neglected for lack of time and data. This paper presents an experimental campaign carried out in the towing tank of the Ecole Centrale de Nantes, France, to validate the hull modeling in use in a previously presented Dynamic Velocity Prediction Program. Even though with foils, hulls are less frequently immersed, a reliable hull modeling is necessary to properly simulate the critical transient phases such as touchdowns and takeoffs. The model is a multihull float with a waterline length of 2.5 m. Measurements were made in head waves in both captive and semi-captive conditions (free to heave and pitch), with the model towed at constant yaw and speed. To get as close as possible to real sailing conditions, experiments were made at both zero and non-zero leeway angles, sweeping a wide range of speed values, with Froude numbers up to 1.2. Both linear and nonlinear wave conditions were studied in order to test the limits of the modeling approach, with wave steepness reaching up to 7% in captive conditions and 3.5% in semi-captive ones. The paper presents the design and methodology of the experiments, as well as comparisons of measured loads and motions with simulations. Loads are shown to be consistent, with a good representation of the sustained non-linearities. Pitch and heave motions depict an encouraging correlation which confirms that the modeling approach is valid