Experimental investigation on the high-speed suspension hexamaran in head waves

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Liu, Xin and Yang, Jinglei and Wu, Defeng and Wang, Haibin and Wu, Jingheng and Hou, Liang and Du, Lei and Wan, Qian (2026) Experimental investigation on the high-speed suspension hexamaran in head waves. Ocean Engineering, 343 (Part 4). 123446. ISSN 0029-8018 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.123446)

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Abstract

This experimental study investigates a hexamaran's hydrodynamic performance at 9 m/s in head waves, comparing rigid and spring-suspended configurations. In regular waves, pitch responses show minimal differences at short wavelengths (Formula presented), but the flexible program exhibits greater pitch at long wavelengths (Formula presented) due to slamming. Heave trends align except at 8 m wavelength, where the suspended configuration peaks higher. The rigid program demonstrates favorable wave interference between demihulls, yielding negative added resistance except at 6 m wavelength (slamming-induced surge). The flexible program endures spring vibration superposition, leading to much higher added resistance than the rigid program, especially when the wavelengths are from 6 to 8 m with stronger slamming. Short-wave conditions cross-deck accelerations benefit from suspension damping, long-wave conditions paradoxically increase accelerations. In irregular waves, the hexamaran's vertical acceleration distribution diverges from conventional planing craft, and accelerations at the positions of cross-deck midsection and rear demihull fore are lower than most regulatory values as a function of sea states. Its unique acceleration characteristic enhances wave impact dispersion and stress redistribution, providing operational advantages in high-speed/high-sea-state conditions.

ORCID iDs

Liu, Xin, Yang, Jinglei, Wu, Defeng, Wang, Haibin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3520-6856, Wu, Jingheng, Hou, Liang, Du, Lei and Wan, Qian;
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