On the limitations of two- and three-dimensional linear hydroelasticity analyses applied to a fast patrol boat

The aim of this paper is to study the symmetric (i.e. heave and pitch motions and distortions associated with vertical bending) wave-induced dynamic behaviour of a fast patrol boat using a unified hydroelasticity analysis. This includes two- and three-dimensional structural idealizations using beam and three-dimensional finite element modelling. The fluid—flexible structure interaction is carried out using three-dimensional potential flow analysis, for both structural idealizations, based on a pulsating source singularity distribution on the mean wetted surface. The calculations are carried out in regular waves for two forward speeds (Froude numbers Fn = 0.5 and 0.63) and three heading angles, i.e. 180 (head), 135, and 90 degrees. Results from full-scale trials are also presented in order to compare rigid body motion transfer functions with numerical predictions. There are large differences between numerically predicted and measured motions, as is to be expected for this fast hull form. The paper reports that the evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of the fast patrol boat, with small length to beam ratio, by means of the unified hydroelastic analysis, shows some inherent limitations of the beamlike approach for this particular type of vessel.