Catamaran Beam Design, Fixed, Not Torsion Bar PDF
Catamaran Beam Design, Fixed, Not Torsion Bar PDF
Catamaran Beam Design, Fixed, Not Torsion Bar PDF
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SSC-222
CATAMARANS-TECHNOLOGICAL LIMITS
TO SIZE AND APPRAISAL OF STRUCTURAL
DESIGN INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
1971
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. -.---- --- - ..
SHIP STRUCTURE COMMITTEE
AN INTERAGENCY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE DEDICATED TO IMPROVING
THE STRUCTURE OF SHIPS
SR 192
1971
.
SSC-222
Final Report
on
to the
by
under
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ABSTRACT
ii
CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1
ANALYSIS OF FEATURES THAT MAY IMPOSE SIZE LIMITS . . . . . . . . 2
EXISTING STRUCTURAL DESIGN METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1 GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3.2 CROSS-STRUCTURE LOADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 SURVEY OF EXISTING DESIGN METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MODEL TEST DATA ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.1 TEST BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...17
4.2 DATA CONSOLIDATION AND COMPARISON . . . . . . . . . . .21
4.3 DISCUSSION OF THE PLOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
CONDITION FOR MAXIMUM RESPONSE AND RECOMMENDED
METHOD FOR DESIGN LOADS ESTIMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
5.1 CONDITION FOR MAXIMUM RESPONSE IN BEAM SEAS . . . . . .27
5.2 DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN LOAD EQUATIONS. . . . . . . . . .30
5.3 COMPARISON OF LOADS CALCULATED BY PROPOSED
EQUATIONS AND BY OTHER METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
5.4 METHOD FOR DESIGN LOADS ESTIMATE. . . . . . . . . . . .35
HULL FLEXIBILITY AND CROSS-STRUCTURE STRESSES. . . . . . . . . .38
DESIGN SHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
7.1 PURPOSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
7.2 DESIGN DESCRIPTION. . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . .43
7.3 EXPLANATION FOR EFFECTIVE STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . ,43
7.4 CROSS-STRUCTURE LOADS AND STRESSES. . . . . . . . . . .45
7.5 DESIGN CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
TOPICS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM . . . . . . .47
CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . , .50
REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
APPENDICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. CATAMARAN RESISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
2. REPRODUCTION OF PORTIONS OF REFERENCE (8), THE STRLIC-
TURAL DESIGN OF THE ASR CATAMARAN CROSS-STRUCTURE
BY BENJAMINW. LANKFORD, JR. . . . . . . . . . .56
3. REPRODUCTION OF SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION OF REF~R: . .
ENCE (13), AMETHOD FOR ESTIMATING LOADS ON
CATAMARAN CROSS-STRUCTURE BY A. L. DISENBACHER, . . . .62
iii
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LIST (IFTABLES
Table Page
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Paae
...
SHIP STRUCTURE COMMITTEE
The SHIP STRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE acts for the Ship Structure Committee
on technical matters by providing technical coordination for the determination
of goals and objectives of the program, and by evaluating and interpreting the
results in terms of ship structural design, construction and operation.
Where equations are reproduced from references, definitions of their symbols are
also provided. Each appendix has its own list of symbols.
Symbol Definition
c Midship coefficient
Do Draft
d dl-0.65Do
d] Distance of cross-structure neutral axis above base I ine
F Sc Vertical shear at iuncture of cross-structure and hul I due to
total cross-structure weight
Fsl Maximum shear at iuncture of cross%ructure and hu I I
F so Maximum waveinduced shear at iuncture of cross-structure and hul 1,
weight I ess cross+ ructure
9 Gravitational acceleration
H Wave height
RI/~ Significant wave height
HL Side hydrostatic force on outboard shel I
HR Side hydrostatic force inboard shel I
h Horizontal shift of center of buoyancy of one hul I
L Length between perpendicular
Ml Maximum vertical bending moment at iuncture of cross-structure
and hull
M= Moment at iuncture of cross-structure and hul I due to weight of
cross-structure
M. Maximum wave-induced bending moment on cross-structure, weight-
1ess cross-structure
P Maximum axia I force
s Clear hull spacing
vii
Symbol Definition
T1
viii
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1. INTRODUCTION
The history of catamarans is old, references (1) and (2). However, in this century,
it is only in the last decade that there has been a revival of serious interest in catamarans
resulting in the construction of some sixteen vessels.
Except for one cargo vessel for use on the Volgar all these vessels are special pur-
pose vessels , such as ferries, oceanographic research ships, fishing boats, drilling rigs
and pipe-laying barges. Also, it is pertinent to note that these ships are under 315 feet
in Iengthl except for two, the 400-foot Duplus (Dutch) and the 425-foot Kyor Ogly
(Russian). It may be recognized that for the special purposes in question, catamarans
were selected over monohulls mainly to tuke advantage of the large deck area, high
transverse stabi I ity,and good maneuverabi I ity at low speeds offered by the catamaran
configuration.
The question has been raised, why not large catamarans? - both in the commer-
cial sector and the Navy. In both groups, the interest is related to high-speed vessels
for low density pay load . To answer this question, the Maritime Administration began
with the Catamaran Study (1)1 performed by General Dynamicsr and the Navy has under-
taken a comprehensive assessment of catamaran technology (2), (3) and (4). Litton
Industries claim an actual design of a semi-submerged catamaran container ship (~) and
(6), and Fisher, et al, have prepared a preliminary design of a catamaran container ship
for the Trans-Atlantic trade (7).
A SOI ient obstacle in assessing the desirability of large catamarans has been the lack
of technical information to establish the structural requirements. The purpose of the
proiect reported here was to investigate into the technological limits to size and propor-
tions of catamarans, appraise existing design procedures, and determine the additional
structural knowledge required to insure their structural adequacy.
The features examined that could impose size limits were powering and propulsion,
cross structure scant! ings , construction problems, repair facilities, and harbor and pier
limitations.
The maior effort of the proiect was centered around the procedure for the structural
design of the cross-structure. The task was divided into three parts, viz: (a) Assembly
and comparison of al I available model test data on the loads on the cross structure; (b)
Evaluation of the analytical methods for estimate of cross-structure load and (c) Struc-
ture analysis methods.
New equat ions are proposed for the estimate of wave-induced vertical bending
rnomentf axial force and shear force . Modifications are proposed to an existing equa-
tion for torsion.
Of all the aspects of catamaran design, resistance has received the most atten-
tion in the past. Considerable work has been done in the areas of theoretical prediction
and model test measurements, as well as their correlation. A brief statement on the most
important aspects of catamaran resistance as gathered from the I iterature is provided in
Appendix 1.
Recommendations are made for the future research and development program for
large catamarans.
a. Resistance-Powering-Propulsion:
,, Main machinery and propulsion system for a large catamaran does not present a
situation not found in large monohull designs. Depending on speed and draft, very large
catamarans may require more than one propeller per hull . However, this need not set an
upper limit to the catamaran size, assuming that hull beam is sufficient, and form can be
designed to accommodate more than one propel Ier. Machinery weight and volume should
be acceptable.
c. Drafts:
Water depths at existing cargo piers around the world suggest draft 1imitation of
approximately 35 feet.
d. Construct ion:
e, Drydocking:
Drydocking poses a problem if the desired catamarans are too large for the dry-
dock sizes mentioned in the previous paragraph. Modification of existing facilities or
construction of new facilities will be required. From a technical viewpoint, use of two
floating docks may be feasible.
One must not underestimate the ingenuity of shipyards to solve the drydocking
problem. Evidently no serious reservation was held regarding drydocking when the con-
struction of the 250-ft wide Mohole k Iatform was initiated.
~ I I
The Livingston Shipbuildi~g Company has Chydockdd the 10~-fi wide E.W.
Thornton o n a single floating dry~ck split into two longitudinal hlalv$s held together
by spacer beams. \~ ; I
I
i I 11 I I I
I
It is beli~ved tha~ the Rus~ians have a scheme for dismantling their relatively
smal I catamarans for maintenance and repairs. 1
1 1:11
!,
)
The problems of cargo handling and piers are economic probllems. They can be
I
solved, at a p~ice, if the ecolnornicsof catamarans we r e so attractive~. Use of twin
piers or di+chqrge o~ cargo offshore have possibi I ities.
The General Dynami ~s study (1 )and certairl unpublished studies claim that the eco-
1 ,.
nomics of catamarans as compared to economics of mbnohul Is are unfavorable or at the
most marginal . Captain M. -Eckhart, Jr. reporting on the Navys findings to date (3)
4
states No compelling reason is yet in sight for a general shift from the monohull to the
multihull or catamaran configuration .
3.1 General
Neither the classification societies nor the governmental agencies have estab-
lished design criteria or guidelines for cross-structure design and designers must follow
general structural engineering techniques. In the case of the T-AGOR 16 Catamaran
Research Ship design the Navy did suggest the use of the paper The Structural Design of
the ASR Catamaran Construction by Lankford (8) as guidance.
As for any structure, there are two phases to the cross-structure design, namely,
the determination of the loads and the design of the structure to alxorb the loads.
A. Calm water load due to the weight (lightship weight and dead-
weight) of the cross-structure.
t1
C1--p3! I
5
I I
b
The controlling loads in the cross-structure design are the wave-induced loads
numbered i, ii, and iii, grounding and docking loads (if grounding and docking is con-
sidered a design criteria) and the calm water loads. Impact loads are treated as local
loads and require reinforcement of the cross-structure bottom and inboard shell of the in-
dividual hulls.
The rest of this section is devoted to the survey of the existing structural de-
sign methods. However, at this point it may be desirable to point out that the proiect
investigators conclusions as to the vessel positions with respect to the waves *hat are
likely to give rise to the muximum response and the recommended method for design
load estimate appear in Section 5.
7
Areas of Contribution
c-s Wave Loads
Steel Ground- Bend-
Wt i ng i ng Shear Torsion Strwc~ure
Analysis
Ref. Est. Loads Mom. Force Moment Bending Shear Torsion
. .
R . Scott 10
A.L . Dinsenbacher 13 + + 1-
G. O. Thomas 4 + 1- + +
J .L. Glaeser 14 + +
C .W. Livingston
15 Description of E i W. Thornton Structure
and W.H. Michel
Table 1 lists load and structure analysts and their published contributions. It
is emphasized that designers of catamarans actual Iy built have relied heavily on model
tests to provide the numbers for wave loads. Model test data analysis is covered in Sec-
tion 4. Brief description and discussion on the work of each structure analyst listed in
Table 1 follow. Howeverf any calculations performed to assess their methods are in-
cluded in tables of Section 5. These tables compare model test predictions, calculations
by existing methods and calculations by new equations presented in this report.
3.3.1 R. SCOTT
Torsion:
the forward quarter point of one hull and the aft quarter point of the other hull, with
the trough at the extremities. (Scott has not provided additional information on the
vessel or the basis for selecting a 10-foot high wave. ) Under this attitude of the vessel,
the center of buoyancy of The hulls moved toward the crest by an amount equal to 4
percent of the length. Thus, each hul I had a torque of O .04L times the displacement per
hull and the total torque on the cross-structure was given by T = O .04LA
Assuming the wing structure as a thin wal led rectangular tube in tor-
sion, the stress, S, was given by
S.-L
2 At
t = Tube thickness
Transverse Bending:
[t was assumed that during severe rolling in beam seas one of the hulls
can become partially emerged where one-half of the entire displacement of one hul I is
cantilevered from the end of the cross-structure. Under this assumption the stress orI the
cross-structure is expressed as
..
9
. ..
11[. Drydocking and grounding loads
The ~rt of the paper which covers points (ii) through (v) mentioned
above, together with the references , is reproduced in Appendix 2 of this report.
.Schades and Dinsenbachers works (12) and ( 13) are considered to-
gether since the methods employed by Dinsenbacher to develop equations for axial
forces, vertical moment, shear and torsion moment are refinements of methods devel-
oped by Schade. The Ship Structure Committee proiect reported here benefited from
the information and style of presentation in these two references. The fol lowing para-
graphs are taken directly from the Introduction and Analysis section of Dinsenbachers
paper and they state the refinements made to Schades methods, and the assumption of
the methods. The Summary and Discussion (from the same paper) which include the
equations developed are reproduced in Appendix 3 of this report. (The reference num-
bers in the quotation refer to the references in the paper which are also included in
Appendix 3.)
The resulting empirical equations devised herein are simple and quick
to employ. They are founded on a combination of a more realistic wave
shape, the current design wave height-length relationship used for longi-
tudinal strength, model and full-scale evaluations of current surface-
ship hull girder design Imds, and loads measured on a catamaran model
in waves. A procedure for estimating primary stresses resulting from the
gross loads is also included.
For this study, in a manner similar to that of Schade, the ship is ideal-
ized as two rectangular prisms (representing the hul Is) connected by a
rectangular box (the cross-structure) . The longitudinal and transverse dis-
11
tributions of weight are taken as uniform in the hulls and in the cross-
structure. The length, beam, draft, and weight of the prismatic represen-
tation of the hulls are taken as those of the actual hulls. The intercon-
necting box has t-he same length (span between hul Is), width, depth,
weightr clearance above stil I water, and vertical location of neutral axis
as does the actual cross-structure , The fluid density used for the computa-
tion of vertical forces is modified here to compensate for the difference in
displaced fluid between the rectangular blocks and the actual hull forms as
was done by Schade; however, the fluid density is not modified in the com-
putation of transverse loads. Also, the drafts are found for the prismatic
forms which produce vertical accelerations of ~0 .4g, and these accelera-
tions and drafts are used in computing the loads on the prismatic idealiza-
tion. These heave acceleration amplitudes of * 0.4g are not unrealistic
maxima to expect for the ships service life (3) . Sinusoidal waves rather
than vertically fronted waves are used. Pressures are assumed hydrostatic.
Inertia forces on the ship mass are included in calculating loads. Slamming
and whipping are ignored. It is further assumed herein that relative posi-
tions of wave and ship similar to those which produced the highest cross-
structure loads in Schades work will result in the worst conditions. There-
fore, only the loading conditions shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be considered ,
Comments on the equations developed and their associated assumptions fol low:
Axial Force:
The equation for axial force in beam seas does not account for the pos-
sible force contribution due to the horizontal acceleration, which can be substantial ,
ii. The second term on the right side of equation (75), Appen-
dix 3, for maximum shear is obtained by relating the shear and bending moment RMS
values in 40-knot wind beam seas for the ASR catamaran. Intrinsic to this operation IS
the assumption that shear and moment are in phase or that the particular shear is the re-
sult of the particular moment.
Torque,:,
The first term on the right represents the .tcmsion about the center of gravity of the ship,
while the second term represents the torsion due to shear acting through the ships cen-
ter of gmvity, which tends to differential Iy heave the hulls. The latter term is ob-
tained by relating the maximum shear to the maximum bending moment (for a catamaran
with weightless cross-structure) in the same oblique wave which causes the maximum tor-
sion. This assumption is the same as the second assumption I isted under bending moment
and shear and its validity is doubted also. Attention is drawn to the fact that the term
in question is not I ikely to be large unless tr the distance from center of center of
gravity of the ship to the center of twist of the cross-structure, is large.
The development of the first term in the torsion equation is found to be logical and pre-
ferred over Scotts expression for torque. It seems to take in as many details as possible
without beginning with the fundamental equations of motions. The first term is em-
ployed to nondimensional ize :he test data (Section 4).
The clearance as calculated by this formula compared quite closely to the actual clear-
ance for the E .W. Thornton and the ASR but it gave much higher values than actual b
the University of Miami design and the Ridgely Warfield. in this respect it is pertinent
to note that the forwardend of the Ridgel y Warfields cross-structure is lmw shaped and
designed for low cl *rance. It is suspected that for very large catamarans the cross-
13
structure clearance may be controlled by the minimum depth and freelward requirements
for the individual hul Is. Also, the designer is I ikely to pay some penalty in terms of
additional clearance if the ends of the cross-structure are within approxirrwtely 0.15 L
of the ends of the hulls.
The highest pressures for short-term slamming can be taken as for flat
bottom impact. This can be iustified by considering that welding dis-
tortion can cause a s! ightl y concave appearance to the cross-structure
bottom plating which could then slam on wave crests as a flat bottom.
The equation used for flat-battom slamming is from Chuang*
p =4.5V 64/62.4
where p is the flat bottom slamming pressure in pounds per square inch,
V is the relative motion between ship and fluid in feet per second, and
the value 64/62.4 converts pressures from those for fresh water to those
for sea water. The slamming station for relative motion was taken at
O .46L forward of amidships and, since impact pressures are assumed to
occur when the ship descends on top of the wav~, impact velocities
were ksed on design maximum pitch motion. Pressures greater than those
from flat-bottom slamming can be experienced as transients for rela-
tively shallow deadrise angles of hull to fluid. However, these pressures
are usual Iy very localized to the water-structure interface and were as-
sumed to carry insufficient momentum to affect the design of the plating.
_. .-
14
The first mentioned unpublished NPL report showed that raising the
cross-structure on a catamaran model reduced the freque~cy of slams of
a given severity but did not reduce the intensity when they did occur.
Pritchett** has confirmed this conclusion in more recent testing at
NSRDC. The general concensus so far is that for the higher most prob-
able sea conditions (Beaufort 6 in one case and State 7 sea in another),
short-term, high-impact slamming pressures can be assumed to be between
80 and 120 psi, regardless of the size of the ship or height of the cross-
structure (within reason). Slamming pressures from the Chuang equation
fell within this range for all catamarans of the series.
P= 0.994V2
where P is the flat bottom pressure in pounds per square foot and V
is the relative motion between ship and fluid in feet per second .
For this relationship the relative velocity between ship and fluid
can be taken to include the orbital velocity of particles in the wave
since the cross-structure bottom might now be well below the crest
of the wave. Pressures from this equation ranged from 600 to 900
pounds per square foot for the catamaran series studied. These pres-
sures were then applied to the overal I cross-structure bottom grit Iage
design.
HEAVE R E5PohJ5~
Ill
s I I I I I 1 , \/ I 1 1 1
1 I I I i 1 1 1 I I
~,,,, 1 1 I I 1 I 1 ! 1 ,I
.2 .4 ,6 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
FREQti8EhIcJ ~RAd j3Ecj
.
16
Motion Calculations:
1. The hulls are thin enough, and the roll small enough so that
the wave height at the center of a hull is the same as at the
sides. The catamaran is wall sided.
3. The catamaran rolls about its center of gravity and is wall sided.
First, Gltieser wrote and solved the differential equations far heave
and rol 1. Then knowing the motions of the vessel, the forces on each individual hull
were calculated, the forces being those which made up the original differential equa-
tions. The constants of proportionality, added mass and damping were calculated using
Grims coefficients.
The rol I and shear correlations are verY respectable except that the
theoretical maximum occurs at @ ~ 1.2(>= 2 hull centerline spacing) while the
experimental maximum occurs at @ z 1 ( A ~ 2 overall width). It is suspected that
this i$ due to the simplification that *he hulls are thin and that the vertical force acts
through a single point. The agreement in magnitude leads one to conclude that the
theory has succeeded in identifying, at least, the principle parametem which influence
rol I m~tion and shear force.
. .
17
Figure 1 does not show the model test heave. In this respect it is
valuable to note that the theoretical heave curve is very much like the Thornton model
test curve in which heave/wave height is approximately zero at that wave frequency
when roll, shear and bending moment are maximum and approximately unity at low fre-
quencies.
As mentioned earlier model tests have assisted greatly in the estimation of wave-
induced loads on the cross-structure of catamarans. What is more important to recog-
nize is that they will continue to do so until theoretical and semi-empirical methods
have been proven to a high degree of confidence (which takes time).
This section consolidates and compares the available mode[ test data on the loads
imposed by sea waves on the catamaran cross-structure. Limitations of the various
test programs and the consequent 1imitat ions of the data comparison are enumerated.
The purpose of the comparison was to determine the gross relationship between the loads
and the major parameters of the catamaran design and waves.
The bulk of the analysis has been centered around the Thornton
and the ASR whose test programs included a large range of sea conditions and the
data, as reported, are amenable to extrapolation and comparison . The amenability to
extrapolation was most valuable as it was helpful in estimating loads on large catamarans.
The loads compared were the two moment and one force measured
in each test with model at zero speed, viz:
18
The crucial side forces which are the malor cause of the maximum
vertical moment were measured in the Livingston test only. The reported acceleration
data for the various tests are inadequate to attempt a meaningful comparison .
a. All the test models simulated the total weight, centers and gy -
radii of the catamaran as a rigid body. None of the models
simulated the structural rigidities of the centerbody or the cross
members.
b. The ASR report (11) provides random wave test results (only) in
terms of response amplitude operators and response spectral
energy.
The other tests which were all performed at the Davidson Lab-
oratory reports both regular wave and random wave test results.
However, the random wave test results are in terms of averages
only.
d. Each test was performed for a specific configuration and one load-
ing condition only.
e. Load measurement system: The ASR test used four strain gages
mounted on two rigid aluminum bars, one forward and one aft to
measure loads.
* Assumed vu Iue
.
20
Table 3 - Particulars of E. W. Thornton Series Ships
TABLE
5- PARTICULAR50F THEuNtVER51w OFMIAMI SERIESSt+IPs
Univ. of Miami
M = Ship C Ships
attached to two dynamometers spaced three inches apart whi Ie the two
other frames were attached to single dynamometers located on the cen-
terline plane of the starlmard hull . All dynamometers gave the rela-
tive shear force and the relative pitch moment, while the outputs of
the two dynamometers at the L .C .G. registered relative rol I moments.
It should be clarified that the ASR System measured the total ver-
tical bending moments , i .e. , primary moments and secondary moments due to shear,
whereas the Ikvidson Laboratory System measured primary bending moments only.
33.56
S (W), ft2 sec2 = ~8 @ R1/3 ti4
W5
The University of Miami Research Vessel design test data was too I imited to
deduce response amplitude operators. For the one random wave test, the wave and re-
sponse information is reported in terms of averages only . To make the most of the data,
it was expanded to three prototype ships which had test significant wave height equiva-
lent to 10.3 feet (sea. state 5), 30.0 feet (sea state 7) and 45.7 feet (sea state 8). Par-
ticulars of these ships appeur in Table 5. The Undisclosed Series was devel~ped in the
same manner.
All the test data assembled are for zero speed. In case of the ASR model
tests (1 1),. the load measurements were made in forward speeds up to 20 knots and it was
found that the maximum loads occurred at zero speed. This finding need not be appli-
cable to all craft, particularly very high speed craft ,
There is general agreement among the different test data that maximum wave-
induced bending moments and shear force occur in barn seas while the maximum torsion
moment occur in oblique seas (45 to 60 off 0 or 180 heading). A significant cor-
relation between the Thornton and the A5R tests, the two tests for which R. A.O. S are
available, is that the maximum bending moment and shear occur in waves with length
equal to approximate y 1 .8 to 2.0 times the overal I beam.
Each fiaure includes data from all the tests in three sea states. The symlmls used in the
plots fo~ the vurious tests are as fallows:
Thornton Series
+-+i-
.~e.% . . . . . . ASRSeries
. ...* Univ. of Mimmi Catamaran Series
. .. . . . Undisclosed Series
6
.. *.** Mohole Platform
@
. . . . . . Livingston Platform
bwso *A
I \
\
\
\
G4=t0
03
i
J,,.,. ,% A
b, Fr
ma t.?o m ,60 m,
.
2b
The plots are for loads in terms of maximum single amplitudes where maximum is taken as
fol lows:
Thornton and A5R: Average of the 1/1 000 highest calculated for
the Pierson Moskowitz spectrum.
;7e&=:*. .,
+ ~c5___+_+
ke-
H4=2&a ----
--
SEASTATE8 e.___+_/&ae,
:
\
@ ___
\ -0
o =,, =-
~ ,;=f=ll
o 0,2 044 0,6 0,8 .
(Q)H
9
Table 6 gives the ratios of maximum magnitude of each load in beam seas
and oblique seas for the Thornton, ASR and the Livingston Platform, They were valu-
able in deducing the load schedule, Table 10.
Oblique Seas
Bending Moment, 0.54 0.36 0.55 0.48
Beam Seas
Oblique Seers
Shear, 0.52 0.55 0.53 0.53
Beam Seas
Beam Seas
Torsion Moment, 0.55 0.36 0.55 0.49
Oblique Seas
It. was real ized that added mass ( l/g) wasa n important term contributing
to the vertical bending moments. However, the scope of the proiect would not permit de-
tailed added mgss calculation for each test vessel . Also, a I iterature search for reference
material on the added mass in sway of unsymmetrical vessel was futile. In view of this it
was decided to calculate the added mass tused on Series 60 coefficients provided by Eda
and Crane (23) and reproduced in Figure 9 here.
26
a. The first observation that can be made of the plots is that the
ASR series coefficients are consistently higher than the Thornton series, and that the dif-
ferences are large enough not to be attributed to experimental inaccuracies alone.
Discussions of items (a), (d), and (e) under Vertical Bending Mo-
ments apply to shear force also.
A to nondimensionalize
The purpose of using both ~ and $ ~
force was in the hope of explaining the reason for the high values of MAX Fso/ /2
for the semisubmersible platforms. The apparent differe~ces between the platform and
the other vessels which could particularly influence the shear force are their very wide
hull centerline spacing, b, and high vmterplane coefficients, Cw. It is realized that
the introduction of Cw tends to increase the differences in the ASR and Thornton coef-
ficients in the higher sea states.
27
4.3.3 Torsion Moment
b. Just as the vertical bending moment and shear, the torsion mo-
ments are no nlinear with respect to significant wave height, but not to the same degree.
The purpose of this section is (i), to determine the probble wave and ship posi-
tion in which the maximum catamaran motions and cross-structure loads are caused,
(ii) develop simple load equations and (iii) suggest a design load schedule. ]t is in-
tended to concentrate on the beam sea condition in items (i) and (ii) since it is proposed
to use the torsion equation in nearly the same form as developed by Dinsenbacher (Ap-
pendix 3).
When wave length is much bigger than the catamaran width, as in Figure
10-III, the differential loading on the hulls should be small and consequently the cross-
structure loading should be smal 1. Also, the roll and heave magnification should be
roughly unity.
L= ACCf=LEEAT\ON
v= VELOCITY k?
1t- {1
I I
L MA%
MAX
&
V
t
MAY *
MAY V
I
II
A=2b
Waves of > zz 2b, Figure 1O-II, have the potential for generating condi-
tions for high differential loading on the hulls. When one hull is orI the crest and the
other in the trough they experience maximum vertical acceleration of opposite sense gen-
erating high shear force on the cross-structure and at the same time inducing large cata-
maran roll . The velocity dependent (damping) force would induce bending moment, how-
ever, it is believed to be small . If the wave is considered to be of highest steepness pos-
sible, then the rol I and shear should be maximum, When the hulls are at the nodes (with
crest or trough on the catamaran centerline), they experience maximum equal and oppo -
si~e side forces, both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic, which result in maximum moment on
the cross-structure. Further, when the crest is on the centerline the moment at the
juncture of the cross-structure and the hul Is due to side forces have the same sense as the
moment due to the weight of the cross-structure, whereas when the trough is on the cen-
terline the particular two moments have opposite sense. Figure 1O-I I makes another
valuable suggestion; that a catamaran heave should be smal I when ~ = 2b because
the vertical wave force on the hulls cancel one another.
The principal clues from the model test results regarding the conditions for
maximum response in beam seas are as follows:
ii. [n both the Thornton and the Livingston Platform test, where
heave was measured as wel I as other responses in a wide range
of regular waves, it was found that heave approached zero in
waves when shear, roll and bending moment were maximum.
iti. Phase data from the Livingston Platform test in beam seas is as
follows:
This implies that maximum bending moments are caused by side forces and not
by vertical forces since heave is minimum or zero in waves which cause maximum bend-
ing moment, and shear is 90 out of phase with maximum bending moment.
.-
30
It can be stated that there is good agreement between the conclusions reached
on the ksis of the model test results and the visual inspection. This agreement pro-
vided the encouragement to set up simple equations for maximum vertical bending mo-
ment, axial force and shear force, whose presentation follow. Indeed, it is admitted
that the test data available to reach the conclusions is limited.
Assumptions:
e Wave is sinusoidal
s Wave length = twice hull centerline space, > = 2b
Wave height = >/1 o
(3.
Fig. 11 - Loading Condition for Maximum Vertical Bending Moment in Beam Seas
31
(D. . Y~)2
HR = qgL - = Side hydrostatic force on inboard shel I
.-
32
BE
1
2 (Do + YL) + YR)
h = --- (DO -
flDo+yL
[
h = -.[1
;3
B
~ = Horizontal shift in center of buoyancy
Wc s
- -n- **,..,,.,.. ................... (E 2)
Due to the symmetry of the assumed wave and vessel ~ it is possiblel by intuition
t~ set down the equations of moment and axial force for the condition of wave crest at
centerline.
Ml =
Wc s
Ml =
I
(HLvL - HRVR)- $ h + (~ + ~) hd
I T
A+A1
P = Muximum axial tension=
I HL-HR_k~
() ah
It is important to note that absolute values are signified since symbols refer to figure II
for trough at center! lne.
33
Fso = 0.41 + ~
w
Cw , . . . . . ..s. . ..**...,. (E 5)
Wc (E6)
Fsd *.*,,,,.*, ........ ..
=
-T
FSc = Shear at ends due to cross-structure weight
Fsl = Fw + Fsc (E 7)
Tc =
I$Cbg BO.6 ~L2 \2~ + 0.14 Mqt/S
34
It can be seen from Figure 7 that if the constant O.6 in T1 was re-
placed by O.7 then T1 would provide torsion values at least as large as any test value
in an irregular sea with 50-foot significant wave height if the data scatter due to the
University of Miami model test and the undisclosed test is neglected. A 50-foot sig-
nificant wave height represents sea state 8 and it is considered sufficiently severe for
design purposes. It is pertinent to point out at this time that Dinsenbacher selected
O.6 to suit the ASR long term prediction of torsion moments. Even though the use of
O.7 may overestimate torsion , conservativeness is iustified in light of the limited test
data and the many simplifications that had to be made to derive the equation.
then
Although any other assumption than that wave form remains intac~ as
it passes the catamaran would be difficult to handlel in reality, it is
seen that wave form does deform between the hut Is. it is conjectured
that the deformed wave would not cause higher acceleration dependent
forces or larger hydrostatic loadings than a wave which remains intact.
The new equations presented do not have any lmck-up derivation asso-
ciated with them.
35
The method does not account for unsymmetrical hulls and form of hulls.
Tables 7, 8 and 9 provide for the catamarans listed in Table 2, the vertical
bending moment, shear, and torsion moment respectively, as calculated by the pro-
posed equation and other methods. Other methods include model tests, Scotts method
for bending moment and torsion, an d Lankfords method for torsion moment due to
grounding. Al I calculations are for catamarans with weightless cross-structure since
model tests results are for weightless cross-structure.
As a matter of interest, shear and bending moment for the Thornton, $SR,
and Livingston Platform were also calculated for a wave with ~ = 2b and H = ~\~10
assuming load/wave height remains constant. The values of maximum load/wave height
were obtained from the test reports.
.-
36
Table 7 - Wave-Induced Transverse Vertical
Bending Moment in Beam Seas
Nntm[ Al I ~uluw m nlnulo ampl Itudm In foot tom andfor walght Imncronl-ntructu;
* MEX. or l/1000 hl~hmt. whlchovor It oraatar
****
Therntcm A5R U OFMlqml Moholo L@vln@ItOfi
Ship A Platform
. Platform
Ew. Thornton ~ M J!!!&
[n S* State 8
009,401 -
Note: All values are
5a,545 1,044,577 9,536
(2)** Cal,, l/1000 Hltih-
01! In s-a Stato 8
single amplitude
(3) *** Sk 192 Mnth.d 41,400 I,ao,ooo 1B,810 \ ,090,000 1,35,000 192,000 99,500 in foot tons and
for weightless
4a,240 2,206,BB 23,495 2,433,077 2,526,971 2S,560 eo,mo cross-structure
(4)0.04LA
(Scotti Molh.d)
(5) 0.175 LA (Grbmdlna) 2~195B 9,455,092 102,790 10,444,711 11,055,502 I ,043,no 350,350
(6) (1)/(3) or (2)/(3) 0.95 0.02 0.5! 0.74 I .2b 1.01 0.94
37
LOCQILoad (Cross- Wc Wc
Structure Weight)
Local Locsd(Cross- WG Wc
Structuresweight)
Locol Load Wc Wc
Loading for Shear at Juncture of Cross-Structure and Hull,
Acting Out of Phase with Moment
Local Load
It will be noted that the grounding and docking loads are not included in the
schedule. In the opinion of the authors, grounding torsion loads are nearly impossible
to estimate as they are so subjective to vessel speed, shape, size and strength of striking
obiects and water depth. AS far as torsion loads due to docking are concerned it is sug-
~ested that individual designer consider oblique docking with most likely docking
weight and real istic support points appropriate to his vessel .
.. .,. .. .
38
It was apparent at the beginning of the project that in order to attempt the estab-
lishment of catamaran size limits it was necessary to select a suitable method for the
preliminary structural analysis of the cross-structure of a large catamaran, once the
critical loads were estimated.
The method of space frame analysis had an immediate attraction and it was decided
to try it out on the T-AGOR 16 Oceanographic Research Catamaran for which struc-
tural calculations based on Lankfords method were available in-house. It must be men-
tioned at once that only the hull bending flexibility and shear deformation in the longi-
tudinal direction were simulated in the mathematical model . The space frame analysis
had the fol lowing advantages:
[t can conveniently handle structure with more than one material, say
steel and aluminum.
Figure 12 shows the bare outline of the T-AGOR structure and Figure 13 deline-
ates its mathematical model incorporated in the space frame analysis which employed
the IBM- 1130 Stress program.
The analysis used the original T-AGOR 16 design loads. The loadings which
control led the primary members of the cross-structure were the grounding loads and
the transverse vertical bending moments in beam seas. The former were obtained as
suggested by Lankford and the latter were obtained from the ASR load estimates (with
necessary modification to reflect different principal characteristics).
39
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
Yl A
( I 11 1
L L ~1 ~; < < t!
% 04 7Z Sz 37 23
5---
The resulting moments and shear forces in the beam sea condition and grounding
condition for the cross-structure from the Stress program output are provided in
Table 11. Other less critical conditions are omitted.
The flexural stresses and shear
stresses in the six cross-structure members based on the stress program output and those
as calculated in the T-AGOR 16 Structural Design are also tabulated for comparison.
Stresses in the structures other than the cross-structure are not tabulated, since the
structural design for those members were Imsed on American Bureau Rule and their stresses
can not be calculated readily.
From the tabulation, the following conclusions can be drawn with respect to hull
flexibility and cross-structure stresses:
.. .
40
a It appears, admittedly bed on this limited check onlyr that the intro-
duction of the longitudinal flexibility of the hulls has small influence
on the stress in cross-structure, i .e. ~ the simplification which assumes
the hulls to be rigid would not affect the scantlings selection.
@ Since the hul Is can be assumed rigid the mathematical model can be
greatly simplified, For a prel iminury study, al I the transverse cross-
structure bulkheads can be assumed structurally similar, i e,, theyall
have the same section modulus, moment of inertia~ shear area, etc.
In light of the last two conclusions, it may be stated that the preliminary analysis
of a cat~maran cross-structure can be conveniently handled with a conventional
method, such as Lank fords method, with about the same accuracy in results, and about
the same time requirement as the space frame analysis. Detail design analysis should
ccmsider,in addition to hull longitudinal flexibility such structure response as the hull
transverse ~nd torsional deformation, cross-structure deformation in various directions
and component structure (decks, bulkheads, etc. ) deformation,
Grounding Condlflon
7. DESIGN SHIP
7.1 Purpose
The analysis of the features that may impose catamaran size limits, Section2,
indicated that existing U .S. shipbuilding facilities could handle approximately 1000-
foot catamarans on the premise that individual hul Is would be built in a drydock and
[oined together crfloat, Whether 1000-foot length should be proposed as a present prob-
able upper limit was dependent on whether the necessary scantling size and the weight of
the cross-structure were practical . Hence, once the available methods for cross-
structure loads predictio~ and structural analysis were evaluated, the logical next step
was to make a preliminary design of an approximately 1000-foot catamaran. Also, it is
believed that in the course of the design, the inadequacies, if there be any, of the avail-
able structural design information would become apparent.
41
200 -
o
100- o I 100-0 I 100 - a
I I 1
I I
AVEt?AGE HULL BHD F&6 s .62% sHIP SYMBOL FOE 3TEEL1
4
(HIT,)= MINIMuM 100 000FSl ylELD
5TRE NGTH E%EEL
(B, H,) = AM GRADE B.H. SKEL
(M.5.) = MILD STEEL
The preliminary design presented here is not optimized (or recycled) by far.
The readers can expect no more defense from the authors for the design other than for its
suitability to provide the limited information desired. The selected shape coefficient,
bulkhead and deck arrangements, assumed framing system, etc., can all absorb consider-
able improvement.
It is assumed that the vessel would be a container ship since it is well accepted
that if large catamarans are at all found superior to monohulls it would be as high-speed,
payload carriers . Table 12 lists the design particulars and Figure 14 shows the profile
and plan views. A rough set of lines were made to obtain hydrostatic properties and vari-
ous plating areas.
It wil I be observed that the designs Froude number of 0.24 and the hull cen-
terline spacing to ship length ratio of 0.21 do not correspond to the values of 0.3 to
0.4 and O.3 respectively, suggested for good resistance characteristics (see Appendix 1).
To design for Froude number of 0.35 would require a speed of 36 knots. It was felt that
a 36-knot speed would render the design uneconomical . To design for hul I centerline
spacing to ship length ratio of 0.3 would require hull centerline spacing of 314 feet
which was considered impractical .
--AK+=%=
;Y-J--+*
Section
=198,500
Main
Modulus
ln2
Hul I
Required
Ft per Hull
by ABS
k-
-- I 0.50
,. Dk 0.75 Bottom: 266,090 In2 Ft
Main Hulls
T7----~
F::ETe
kH) Cross. Structure
al
-1
P/
~12x6-l/2x27#
I
j! . _,~ -, 0.50 Bhd PI [n2
~--,... ..!
(MS)
J---AL
1 0.625 Bhd PI (H..j
(H. T.)
(H. T.)
(B. H.)
= Minimum
Strength
= ABS Grade
Steel
100,000
B.H . Meel
psi yield
to the wel l-known paper (24) on }he subject by Professor $chade. The bulkheads were
considered as multiple webs for each deck with length of 100 feet and plating width of
50 feet between webs. Among the various combinations of load and end fixity consid-
ered by Professor Schade, two were appl icable to the structure in question, viz: - equal
moment at both ends or uniform load and fixed ends. Even though the structures maior
j
[mding is due to equal moment at bothends, the latter combination was used as it gave
the smal I er effective breadth. Using the same reference, Professor Adams proved (see
discussion to Professor Schades paper) that for a monohul I with no centerline bulkhead
and with side shell as double webs, the effective breadth of the deck plating is 9710.
The 20-inch effective web plating at top and Imttom of the center web, Figure
16, was reached by taking one-sixth of the length of the outer webs. The reasoning for
this is provided by Lankford, Appendix 2.
Figure 16 also shows that if arbitrarily a 10-foot deck plating width were to
be considered effective, 1-1/4 inch plate thickness would be necessary to provide ap-
proximately the same section modulus as available with 5\8-inch x 24-foot effective
plate; 10 feet should be quite conservative.
The wave-induced design loads as deduced from the method (labeled SR-192)
proposed in Section 5 of this report, by Dinsenbachers (13) method and from the
Thornton and ASR Series, Section 4, are summarized in Table 13. The stresses which are
summarized in Table 14 were calculated by using maximum loadings predicted by SR-192
equations. The stresses are within the allowable stresses for 100,000 psi yield strength
steel .
.. .
46
Method
71-- .... L-.. r !-. At?n- .
SR-192 Dinsenbacher Inornron ~erlea HJR >eHes
Researchers (1), (2), (4), (8) and (13), who h~ve appraised catumaran technology
have generally reached very similar conclusions as to the deficiencies in the technology
and the topics for the desirable future research and development program. A significant
conclusion of this proiect is that a safe large catamaran structure can be designed now
bY conducting model tests, using existing design information and generally adopting a
conservative approach . However, .by nature of the design method the resulting structure
would b unduly heavy. Also, such an approach would be unacceptable if a large num-
. -. .
48
GROUNDING CONDITIONS
d. Hull form and spacing for minimum resistance and ship motions in a sea-
way. Hull form, particularly unsymmetrical, for multi-screw installation .
e. Added mass and mass moment of inertia for the horizontal motion of sym-
metrical and unsymmetrical bodies at wave encounter frequencies (indi-
vidually and as catamarans) . Added mass and mass moment of inertia for
the vertical motion of unsymmetrical bodies.
9. CONCLUSIONS
Existing United States yard facilities can handle individual hul Is of ap-
proxinmtely 1050 ft x 140 ft. The hulls and the centerbody would have to
be joined with hulls afloat; 35-foot draft is acceptable in most maior har-
bors. New drydocking facilities and modified or new pier facilities will
be essential . Discharge of cargo in the streams could remove the pier
problem .
3. The ava i Iable model test data for predicting cross-structure loads are not
sufficient and the existing analytical methods are not adequately developed
to provide great confidence in either.
4. Model tests to date have been performed for specific designs only and have
had the drawback of not simulating the centerbody.
The authors wish to thank Messrs. Sam T. Tsui and N . K . K . Raman of the Basic
Ship Design Division, M. Rosenblatt & Son, Inc ., w ho assisted with several tasks of the
proiect.
Nippon Kaiii Kyokai, Germanischer Lloyd and Det Norske Veritas provided writ-
ten descriptions of their general approach to catamaran design review which were appre-
ciated.
Mr. Walter H. Michel and Dr. Haruzo Eda willingly contributed with informal dis-
cussions of some aspects of the proiect for which the authors are grateful .
Appendix 2 is quoted from The Structural Design of the ASR Catamaran Cross-
Structure by Beniamin W. Lankford, Jr., published in August 1967, Naval Engineers
Journal, pages 625-635, by permission of the American Society of Naval Engineers.
Last, but not least, acknowledgements are due to al I the members of the Advisory
Group 11, Ship Structural Design, Ship Research Committee who provided enthusiastic
and practical guidance to the proiect.
52
REFERENCES
4. Thomas, Geoffrey O., Outline Notes for Lecture Entitled Structural Analysis of
Catamarans, Naval Ship Research and Development Center, n167, July 1970
6. Litton lndus tries Twin-Hu[l Ship, Maritime Reporter and Engineering News,
January 15, 1970
70 Fisher, Peter A.; Praught, Michael W.; $oden, James E.; A Catamaran Container-
ship for Trans-Atlantic Trade, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers,
Gulf Section Meeting, April 18, 1969
8. Lankford, Beniamin W., Jr., The Structural Design of i-he ASR Catamaran Cross-
Structure, American Society of Naval Engineers Journal, August 1967
11. Dinsenlmcher, Alfred L.; Andrews, John N.; Pincus, Daniel S.; Model Test
Determination of Sea Loads on Catamaran Cross Structure, Naval Ship Research
and Development Center Report 2378, May 1967
120 Schade, H .A., Feasibility Study for Ocean-Going Catamaran, Prepared for
the Crowley Launch and Tugboat Company, California, June 1965
53
i3. Dinsenkcher, Alfred L., A Method for Estimating Lwds on Catamaran Cross-
Structure, Marine Technology, Volume 7, No. 4, October 1970
14. Glaeser, John L., A Theoretical Investigation Into the Motions of a Catamaran
and the Shear and Bending Moments on its Cross- Structure, Senior Thesisr
Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, May 1968
15. Livingston, C.W. and Michel, Walter H ., The Catamaran Drill Ship -
E -W. Thornton, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Gulf
Section Meeting, February 1966
16. Michel, Walter H., The Sea-Going Catamaran Ship, Its Features and Its
Feasibility, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Gulf Sec-
tion Meeting, April 1961
17. Maniar, Naresh M., Model Test of a Catamaran Dril]ing Ship, Davidson Lab-
oratory Letter Report 1052, January 1965
18. Meier, Herbert A., Preliminary Design of a Catamaran Submarine Rescue Ship
(ASR), Marine Technology, Volume 5, No. 1, January 1968
19. Chey, Young H., Model Tests to Evaluate Seakeeping Qua] ities and Structural
Loading of a Catamaran ocemograph ic Vessel, Davidson La boratow Letter
Report 891, April 1962
20. Numata E., 1/100-Scale Model Tests of Mohole Drilling Platform in Waves,
Davidson Laboratory Letter Report 1084, January 1967
21. McClure, Alan C., Development of the Proiect Mohole Drilling Platform,
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Transactions Volume 73,
1965.
23. Edaf Haruzo and Crane, Jr.; C. Lincoln, Steering Characteristics of Ships
in Calm Water, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Tran-
sactions Volume 73r 1965
24. Schade, H .A., The Effective Breadth of Stiffened Plating Under Bending
Loads, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Transactions,
Volume 59, 1951
-.
54
APPENDIX 1
CATAMARAN RESISTANCE
Of al 1 the aspects of catamaran design, resistance has received the most atten-
tion. Considerable work has been done, both in the areas of theoretical prediction
and model test measurements as well as their correlation. References listed at the end
of this appendix represent valuable published information on the subiect.
The main reason for the interest in resistance is because it has been shown that
under certain conditions, net resistance of catamarans can be made smaller than the to-
tal resistance of the two hul Is considered singly.
There is general agreement between theory and model test data that the beneficial
interference can occur in the Froude number range of approximately 0.3< V/~< 0.4,
irrespective of hull separation. Beneficial hull separation in terms of the center to center
spacing as a ratio of the ship~s length appears to be in the order of 0.3. Further, opti-
mum spacing varies with speed. of course, what may be beneficial for resistance may
not be compatible with the rest of the design.
The conclusion reached on the hsis of data available to date is that no more than
15% net reductionin total resistance of large catamarans should be expected in ideal
conditions when com~red to the total resistance of two hulls running independently. At
the same time, the increase is not expected to be more than 15A.
55
REFERENCES
.-
56
APPENDIX 2
This is a reproduction of reference (8), The Structural Design of the ASR Cata-
maran Cross-Structure by Ben]amin W. Lankford, Jr., excluding the first part which
is devoted to the description of the statistical methods used to predict the response of
this ships hull to sea condition beyond the capabilities of model tests.
SHEAR FORCES
The foregoing discussion has only described the bending moment resulting from a
beam sea condition. There is, however, a SI ight shear force in the beam sea condition,
The shear force is of a higher value in the quarter sea heading, but the associated mo-
ment results in a negligible design value. The shear force used is appro:{imately 600
tons. Shear becomes more of a design problem from loads of other sources which will
be described in another paragraph.
Shear or any other design response can be determined in the same way as the mo-
men~ in the foregoing discussion. All the designer needs to do is to use the proper re-
sponse amplitude operators from the model test.
The final bending moment predicted of 63,300 foot tons represents the total mo-
ment on one side of the ship. Since this moment is independent of any bending caused
by the weight of the structure, a dead load bending moment must be added to this moment.
The dead load moment for the ASR was calculated assuming this ship in still water since
the effect of any sea waves has already been determined. The total maximum moment in-
cluding the dead load effect is 72,000 foot tons (nearest 1000 foot tons) . Since dead
load opposes the sea forces in the upward direction the design load is less, or about
55,000 foot tons. The distribution of this moment to each maior cross-structure member
was ba$ed on a ratio of the assumed moments of inertia of each member. The shear
loads were distributed as a ratio of assumed web areas. A summary of the sea loads for
each bulkhead will be given in a later paragraph.
As a separate condition, the cross-structure was designed for what was considered
the maximum possible torsional load on the cross-structure. To determine these loads,
the fol lowing conditions were considered:
a. The ship could be drydccked with the port hull blocks and
starboard hull blocks out of plane or the keel could be out
of plane.
57
For these conditions the ship was assumed to be supported on one hul I forward (Sta-
tion 4) and on the other hull aft (Station 18). The load distribution of the applied
torsional moment to each bulkhead in the cross-structure is assumed to be a function
of the linear distance from the center of torsion and the vertical deflection in each
loaded bulkhead.
The ASR is a 251 foot LOA catamaran with an 86 foot maximum breadth (26
foot wide hulls) and full load displacement of 3600 tons. Figure 9 shows a typical
cross~ection of one of the transverse support bulkhmds for the A5R. The transverse
bulkheads between the two hul Is along with an effective breadth of plating as the
upper and lower flanges is considered the primary supporting cross-structural mem-
ber. There are six of these bulkheads similar to Figure 9 carrying the loads. Locations
of these bulkheads are shown on Figure 8. The use of six bulkheads has no special
significance other than that it provides a satisfactory arrangement for structure commen-
surate with compartment and access requirements and distributes the imds into the hull
girders through scantl ings of norms I dimension. The three bulkheads forward and the
three bulkheads aft form two separate deckhouses with an open wel I between for rescue
operations.
P 8
58
==- .....1
Fig. 9 - Typical Transverse
Bulkhead for ASR
The calculation of the load distribution to each bulkhead from the grounding-
dock condition is as follows (See Figure 8):
Assumptions
1. The algebraic sum of moments akut the center of torsion = O, where center of
torsion is assumed to be the centroidal axis of the assumed bulkhead a-.
Ad
Torque = ~ (EQUATION 1)
Where:
Where:
1 2 + Pn
or= . ..-
KIX1 (EQUATION 2)
K2X2 KnXn
Calculations
(Equation 1) Torque = ~ = ~
Where:
Y=+d
[1
A
y = Plxl + P2X2 + . . . . . Pnxn
T
From Equation 2:
PnLn
Moment = ~
Where:
The final moments and shear values for each bulkhead in the cross-structure calcu-
lated by the foregoing condition and the predicted sea forces are recorded below and
represent the actual values used for the ASR design. It must be noted however that after
an initial scantling selection has been made the design loads were re-cycled and checked
for the new inertias and web areas obtained as opposed to those assumed originally.
As can be seen from the resulting loads above, the docking-grounding condition
gives the highest combination of shear and moment which governs the forward and aft
bulkhead especial Iy the web plating to resist buckling. The large variance of loads orI
Bulkhead 21 resulted from the fact that there was a deck height difference in depth from
the other bulkheads.
Calculated
Predicted Sea Loads Docking-Grounding Loads
Moment Shear Moment Shear
Ft. Tons Tons Ft. Tons Tons
The resisting cross-structure bulkheads (21, 37, 49, 84, 86 and 110) have been
designed similar to transverse bents on aircraft carriers. Of the total plate girder, the
outer flange plus about 1/6 of the depth of the web assumed to entirely resist the bend-
ing moment. The total shearing force was assumed to be equally distributed to the en-
tire web. For stability, the outer 1/6 portion of the web was sized to develop the
the necessary shear or compressing buckling strength, whichever was worse, while
the remaining 2/3 portion of the web was designed to develop a shear buckling
strength equal to the shearing yield stress of the material . The above plate girder
theory is based on actual tests indicating that the moment in a plate girder is concen-
trated in the flanges but drops off rapidly toward the neutral axis, unlike the straight
line distribution used generally . As a result, the center portion of the web cannot be
assumed to contribute. The 1/6 web depth used is an approximate value covering the
actual moment. Reference (8) describes this method and test results.
As mentioned above, the upper and lower levels form a flange for the maior
cross-structure bulkheads. The ac~ual width of plating, or effective breadth consid-
ered in the design is probably somewhat conservative.
Approximately four feet of normal deck plating is considered to act with the bulk -
heads as an effective breadth. The cross-structure, however, is more of a box girder
with stiffened plating. Although under torsional and bending loads it is assumed that
much more plating is effective, test data of large box girders is limited. It was, there-
fore, decided to consider The plating between bulkheads to provide an additional factor
61
of safety rather than including it in the design at this time . It is hoped that structural
model tests can be conducted on box structures in the near future to determine a more
precise effective breadth . With the assumption that plating between bulkheads is inef-
fective, the design is then reduced from a torsional box girder problem to one of bulk-
heads resisting the loads imposed through pure bending and shear . With only four feet
considered for the effective breadthf it was necessary to use inserts to provide the neces-
sary section modulus for the structure shown on Figure 9.
The joint between the cross-structure and main hull was considered a most critical
area . Additional web plating was added in the cross-structure and main hull bulkheads
to reduce the nominal stress resulting from stress concentrations. There was also a prob-
lem of plate delamination. If the cross-structure was made intercostal to the hul 1, the
shell plate could delaminate, and vice versa . To solve this problem, the insert plate
acting as the lower flange of the cross-structure was carried continuously through the in-
board shell into the second deck and the transverse bulkhead plating was carried continu-
ously through the inboard shell and second deck . This provides an interlacing of the
highly stressed structure so plate delamination would not lead to a maior failure.
Since the cross-structure presented most of the problems, and is the basis for this
paper., little has been said about the main hull and local loads. The hulls are designed
using standard longitudinal strength calculations. Design of structure for local hydro-
static loads is similar to that found on conventional ships except for the shell plating
inboard and bottom of the cross structure . During a visit to the catamaran drilling rig,
E .W. Thornton, in the Gulf of Mexico, it was discovered that shell stiffening was
badly damaged as a result of the pocketing effect of seas between the two hul 1s while
the ship was moored. These farces somewhat resembled the effect found by the model
test for the ASR. However, no effect on local stiffening could be predicted by the
model test.
AS a result of the local damage found on the drilling rig, the shell in-
board on the ASR was designed for 1500 pounds per square foot. The drilling rig had
framing members intermittently welded . These welds suffered cracking throughout
the length of the ship. For the ASR, continuous welding is specified.
CONCLUSION
The primary purpose of tlis paper has been to provide the ship design engineer with
some basic knowledge of the problems encountered with catamaran hull structure and a
simple approach to the solution of these problems. It wil I be necessary to conduct more
tests on various hull forms and spacings before a completely analytical solution can be
developed. ltwillthen become important to instrument these hul Is once they are built
and attempt to correlate ariulytical predictions with full scale ship tests. The ASR and
the commercial ship E .W. Thornton, along with a new oceanographic research cata-
maran now being designed, wil I provide valuable information for future designs.
62
REFERENCES
I ,,
II I 1
I I
I
I
I 1 I
I
63
APPENDIX 3
This is a reproduction of the $ummary and Discussion section with the asso-
ciated nomenclature for reference (1 3), A Method for Estimating Loads on Catamaran
Cross-Structure by A . L. Dinsenbacher.
NOMENCLATURE
A wave amplitude
Ab wave amplitude for computing bending load
At wave amplitude for computing torque load
B beam of one hull
b half beam of entire ship
c center of twist of cross-structure
D instantaneous mean draft
Do st i I Iwater draft
d distance from top of cross-structure down to neutral axis of cross-structure
G center of gravity of ship
9 gravitational acceleration
HI depth (keel to top of cross-structure)
HL horizontal hydrostatic force on outboard side of a hul I
HR horizontal hydrostatic force on inboard side of a hull
L ship length (LBp)
Lw wave length
m(y) cross structure bending moment at transverse coordinate y
M (0) = bending moment at midspan of cross-structure
MQ = moment at iunction of cross-structwre and hull, not including effects of
weight and mass of ~ross-stru cture I
P= transverse axia I load on cross-structure
= horiz~ntal hydrostatic ~ressure
P
Q= vertical shear force
s = clea~ span between hulls
Tc = torque on cross-structure about its twist center
t = horizontal distance (positive forward) from cross-structure twist center to
ships CG
VL = dista~ce from keel to center of pressure of horizontal hydrostatic force on
dutbourd side of a hull
R =
distance from keel to clenter of pressure of horizontal hydrostatic force on
inboard side of a hull
w= ship weight
Wc ,= weight of cro,ss-structure
x,y, ~ = coordinate system fix~d on ship representation with origin at center of
1 gravity!
B ,= half the clear span between hulls
A = instantaneous displacement or buoyancy
?= density of water
distance, positive downward, from mean surface elevation to wuve surface
5=
64
The equations obtained thus br for estimating cross-structure loads wil 1 now be
summarized. The symbols have been defined in the Nomenclature, and some are illus-
trated in Figs. 1 and 2. In several of the equations given in the following, the term
(1 ~ O .4) appears; the positive sign indicates the ship accelerating upward, the negative
sign corresponds to downward acceleration. Also, we have now substituted S/2 for~
and (S/2) + B for b in the equations developed previously in the text.
For Ioadi ng condition 1, the waves are approaching from the beam and are as-
sumed to produce the greatest axial , vertical bending and shear loads. The directions
of positive loads are shown in Fig. 3.
The wave length and amplitude, A (wave height = 2 A I ), for this loading case
are taken to be
Lw
= 2(S + B) (70)
A=Ab=-~ (71)
llB
P = -2ggLA (1 t 0.4) Do sin (72)
2(S+B)
iTB
M(0)= -qg LAsin 2D0 (1 ~0.4) (HI -d)
2(S + B)
~2
[
+ W(S+B)A
- D02 (1 ~ 0.4)2 - ~ sin2 2(su+BB)
1
TTB
211Do
w sin B
[ 2(S+B) Cos _
1
+(1
~o.4)
WC(S + 2B)
8
(73)
where A is given in (71) . The sign of A is positive for a wave trough between the hulls,
and negative for a crest.
M
()
~ + = M(o) -(1 0.4) WcSfi (74)
where M (0) is obtained from (73). Whichever sign is chosen in the term of (1 ~ O .4)
in (72), the same sign must be employed in that same term in (73) and (74).
65
-b -B I P b
L-+A---LB-J--J
I I
MEAN 5URFACE ELEVATION
i i
Dis heighL or wave surrace above keel atcenter plane ofl?uil (als.odis.
tance from keel to mean surrace elevation)
Immcrsionorhul! at~.D-~(~)=D-Aco5u-
(b+~)
The estimate for maximum shear, in beam waves, at the junction of crws-structure
and hull, is
Q=(l (75)
in which
M (0) in (76) is obtained from (73). Again, the choice of sign in (1 ~ 0.4) must be kept
consistent throughout (73-76).
-
66
6 = tan-g
L S+R
~ . 2( S+B)sind .
@#7h~
M point p (on port hull centerplane), disknce kom mean surface elevation to wave
surface is
But, up = : Xp Cose
()
%7x
so $ .,4 sin P
L
girt
and immersion . D - fp . D- .-l sin+
For loading condition 2 (for maximum torsion), the wave advances obliquely as
as shown in Fig. 2. The wwve length and amplitude are
~ = L(S+B)/j~ (77)
A = A+=0.6~ (78)
The reader is reminded that the wave heighf is twice the magnitude of the amplitude.
..
68
F
-lM
P
~ INTERNALLOADS
II)
Q
G y
HL
R
WEW LOOKING FORWARD
FROM STERN
111111 -=r
r
in which A is defined by (78), MQ is computed from (76), and T= is the magnitude of the
torque about *he center of twist of the cross-structure.
It may be observed in Loading Schedule B, Table 2, that torsion loads are used in
computing the direct stresses at the I unction of the cross-structure and hul Is. The reason
for this is that the torsional load can produce bending moments on the ends of the trans-
verse bulkheads spanning the hul Is (2, 9).
CONCLUDING REMARKS
An attempt has been made herein to develop simple expressions for estimating gross
Iwds on the structure linking the hul Is of a catamamn. Although several gross assump-
tions and approximations have been made , some compensation for these has been intro-
duced by relating, albeit empirically and/or heuristically, to model test results and
current design practices for longitudinal strength.
REFERENCES
.
69
3. J .T. Birmingham and A.L . Dinsenbacher, Stresses and Motions of a Liberty Ship
in Random Seasr David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB) Report2081, November 1965.
4. M. St. Denis, On the Structural Design of the Midship Section, DTMB Report
C-555, October 1954.
9. B .W. Lankford, The Structural Design of the ASR Catamaran Cross- Structure,
Naval Engineers Journal, August 1967.
UNCLASSIFIED
Security Classification
Unclassified
M. Rosenblatt & Son, Inc. >h. GROUP
REPORT TITLE
Final Report
AU THOR(SI (Fi@t rwme, middle rnit!al, last name)
Sept. 1971 69 24
a, CONTRACT OR GRANT NO. >a. ORIGINATOR-5 REPoRT t.IuM8ERlS)
NOO024-70-C-5145
h. PROJECT NO. MR&S 2000-1
F35422306, Task 2022, SR-192
c. ah.
OTHER REPORT No IS) (Any othernwmbem thalnmy be assiped
this report)
NAVSHIPS No. 0911-001-1010
d,
SSC-222
O. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
s,AB5 TRACT
Existing United States shipbuilding facilities can handle 1000-foot catamarans with
up to 140-foot individual hull beams on the premise that the hulls would be joined a-
float. Major harbors and channels of the world suggest an overall beam limit of 400-
feet and 35-foot draft. Drydocking for catamarans over 140-foot in breadth will re-
quire new facilities or extensive modification to existing facilities. Scantlings of
a 1000-foot catamaran cargo liner can be expected to be within current shipbuilding
capabilities. The uniqueness of the catamaran design lies in the cross-structure and
the important facets of the cross-structure design are the prediction of the wave-in-
duced loads and the method of structural analysis. The primary loads are the trans-
verse vertical bending moments, axial force, shear, and torsion moments. Designers
have relied heavily on model tests to obtain design loads and have used general struc-
tures principles and individual ingenuity to perform the structural analysis in the
absence of established guidelines. Simple semi-empirical equations are proposed for
predicting maximum primary loads. A structural analysis method such as the one pro-
posed by Lankford may be employed for conceptual design purposes. The Lankford method
assumes the hulls to be rigid and the cross-structure loads to be absorbed by a group
of transverse bulkheads and associated effective deck plating. This procedure in gen-
eral should provide an overall conservative design and not necessarily an economic or
optimized design. Additional research and development work including systematic model
test programs are necessary for accumulating additional knowledge in areas of uncer-
tainty and for the establishment of reliable design methods for catamaran structure.
)D:W551473 () UNCLASSIFIED
.. .-,. ......
3ecurlTV ~LasslrlcarlOn
S/N 0101.807-6801
UNCLASSIFIED
Security Classification
4. LINK A LINK B LINK c
KEY WORDS
ROLE WT ROLE WT ROLE WT
Catamaran
Size Limits
Design Procedures
Advisory Group II, Ship Structural Design prepared the prcject prospectus
and evaluated the proposals for this project:
MR. J. E. HERZ, Chairman, Chiaf Strue. Des. Eng~., Sun Shipbuilding z Dq Dock Co.
MR. C. M. COX, Asst. iVavaZArch., Hu~l Des. Div., lVewpo~tNews Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co.
MR. C. R. CUSHING, ~esident, Cushing & flordst~om,Inc.
PROF. J. E. GOLDBERG, SehooZ of Engineering, Purdue Un<versiby
PROF. J. R. PAULLING, JR., Prof. & Chair. ofDept. ofiVav. AYch., U. of Ca2ifomia
MR. D. P. ROSEMAN, NavaZ Arehiteek, Ilydronau.ties,
Inc.
.;
CDR R. M. WHITE, USCG, Chief, AppZiedEngineeringi5ee.,
U.S. Coast GuardAcademy
SHIP STRUCTURE COMMITTEE PUBLICATIONS
SSC-215, A Guide fop the Synthesis of Ship Structures Pa?t One - The Midship
Hold of a Transve~sely-Fmmed Dry Caz=goShip by Manley St. IleniS.
1970. AD 717357.
\
SSC-217, Comp~essive Strength of Ship Hull Girde~s - Part I - Unstiffened
plates by H. Becker, R. Goldman, and J. Pozerycki. 1971. AD 717590.
SSC-219, c~ack propagation and Arrest in Ship and Other SteeZ.sby G. T. Hahn,
R. G. Hoagland, P. N. Mincer, A. l?.Rosenfield, and N. Sarrate. 1971.
. . .-