Wave-making resistance of a catamaran hull in shallow water using a potential-based panel method

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of the water depth and the wave interference effects on the first- and second-order wave-making resistance of a catamaran hull using a potential-based boundary element method. Since the interior flow of each monohull of a catamaran is different from the exterior flow, both monohulls must be considered as lifting bodies. The pressure Kutta condition is imposed at the trailing edge of the lifting body to determine the dipole distribution, which generates required circulation on the lifting part. The effects of hull separation and water depth on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a catamaran hull are analyzed and the validity of the computer scheme is examined by comparing the wave resistance with others' numerical results. The present method could be a useful design tool for screening the suitable combinations of hull parameters and hull spacing at the preliminary design stage of a catamaran hull.