HYDRODYNAMIC CALCULATIONS FOR A CATAMARAN-TYPE USV

Abstract

The catamaran configuration plays a crucial role in USV design due to its high stability, large deck area, and lower hydrodynamic resistance compared to monohull vessels of equivalent displacement. The twin-hull arrangement effectively reduces roll motion and maintains precise maneuverability when the USV operates under complex wind and wave conditions. Additionally, the spacing between the two hulls provides favorable conditions for integrating sensors, survey equipment, and autonomous control systems. These characteristics make the catamaran an ideal platform for long-duration missions such as ocean observation, surveillance, and seabed mapping. However, the wave-hull interactions and the complex pressure distribution between the two hulls highlight the need for in-depth hydrodynamic investigations of this configuration. Among the commonly used catamaran models, the 2016 design by Chao Wang is selected for reconstruction and analysis in this study, serving as the basis for CFD model validation before being applied to a prototype in the subsequent development phase.