Research on the transverse stability of a trimaran with different side hull form

In order to investigate the influence of different side hull forms over the hydrodynamics of a trimaran, especially over the transverse stability, four trimaran hull forms were designed with same center hull form but different side hull form. Transverse metacentric height of the four trimarans was calculated. Resistance and transverse lift moment were analyzed at different speeds by CFD. Model tests of the trimarans were also carried out in towing tank for verification of the CFD drag results. Comparison between transverse metacentric height and transverse lift moment shows that the small side hull has a large influence over the transverse stability of the trimaran, especially at high speed.