An experimental analysis of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the monoform: a novel hull form

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of an experimental investigation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the Monoform hull in calm water. The forces acting on a 1.7 meter model were measured as the model was held captive and towed in calm water. The model was tested at speeds up to three meters per second. The rudders were held straight during one part of the study and were deflected during another to test both their ability to correct for pitching moment and to create yaw moments. The draft of the model was also varied during this study and included drafts of 1.90, 2.21, and 2.42 hull diameters. All three forces and all three moments were measured. The model was tested in a 31 meter towing basin located at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The results are presented in Figure form in the thesis body and in numerical form in an appendix. Recommendations for future work and improvements to the instrumentation are presented along with conclusions at the end of the thesis.