Experimental and numerical investigation on control strategies for heave and pitch motion reduction of a catamaran

Abstract

In this study, simulations and experiments were conducted on reducing the heave and pitch motions of a catamaran. To serve as stability appendages, an actively controlled T-foil and flap were designed, including their dimensions and installation position on the catamaran. Based on the uncoupled analysis of the appendages, the following control strategies were adopted: the previously proposed resultant force and moment distribution with feedback by displacement (RFMD-D) and the newly developed resultant force and moment distribution with feedback by velocity (RFMD-V). These two control strategies were applied to an S-plane controller, and their performances were tested in simulations and experiments. Finally, a bare catamaran and catamaran with actively controlled appendages were towed in a towing tank, and the two control strategies were tested. The results showed that both control strategies are effective and that RFMD-V is more effective than RFMD-D.