Modeling of Finite-span Ram Wings Moving Above Water at Finite Froude Numbers

Abstract

Power-augmented ram wings can be used for very fast transportation of heavy cargo over water and relatively flat solid surfaces. This article describes a coupled aerohydrodynamic model for a ram wing in steady forward motion. Effects of a finite wingspan and finite Froude numbers are accounted for by the extreme ground effect theory for airflow and a linearized potential flow theory for water. Representative results showing the influence of several variable parameters of the vehicle geometry and operational regimes are demonstrated for a selected ram-wing configuration. The developed method can be applied for modeling of airborne lifting surfaces operating in the strong ground effect on a variety of fast marine craft.