Effects of step configuration on hydrodynamic performance of one- and doubled-stepped planing flat plates: A numerical simulation

Categorized as one of high-speed marine vehicles, stepped planing hulls have the potential to reach relatively high speed in the sea by decreasing wetted surface. There were and still are some challenges in modeling of these vessels and design of ideal situation of steps. In the current study, a numerical-based method has been used to provide understanding about the effect of step height and its location on hydrodynamic characteristics of double-stepped planing plates. At the first step, one-stepped planing plate is numerically simulated. Results are compared against exiting numerical data, suggesting that results of the current numerical simulation are similar to results of previous numerical simulations. Then, double-stepped planing plates are modeled and pressure distribution, wetted length, free surface elevation and drag over lift ratio are computed. It is seen that, ventilation length behind the step and pressure coefficient are increased when step height of one- and a double-stepped planing plates are increased. It has been shown that, unlike an one-stepped planing plate, drag coefficient of a double-stepped planing plate can be increased when the step height is increased. The effects of the location of the second step on the performance of the planing plate have been explored, showing that this position plays a critical role on hydrodynamic forces. It is demonstrated that when the smallest possible lift force is produced by the middle-body, the plate shows the best performance (highest lift over drag ratio).