Current structural design methods for high speed naval craft rely heavily on empirical methods. Though these methods have been employed reliably for a number of years, it is likely that an unknown level of conservatism exists in the prediction of impact loads. A better physical understanding of the dynamic response of high speed craft in seas would allow for increased structural optimization. The publicly releasable hull form Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Model 5365 (R/V Athena) was chosen to facilitate release of results to various computational teams. Model 5365 was tested in calm water, regular waves, and irregular waves. After reviewing data from the first test in 2014, it was determined that the model should be modified to enable towing from the longitudinal center of gravity. Model 5365 was then modified and re-tested using with added calm water speeds, and additional wave conditions. Calm water results from this test are presented with uncertainty analysis for resistance, heave, and trim.
Experimental investigation of the effect of a step and wedge on the performance of a high-speed craft in calm water and statistical analysis of its seakeeping in irregular waves
