SBIR-STTR Award

The advantage of speed on the water has been well documented throughout the history of naval operations. Since the days of sail-racing an opponent for the upwind advantage to take the initiative-naval doctrine has recognized the importance of speed whether the mission is combat, security or interdiction. Unfortunately, the technology of the basic hull form has changed little since the days of John Paul Jones. The majority of vessels in the US Navy are displacement ships. They possess relatively high drag coefficients and operate with limited efficiency. Even the latest and much ballyhooed HSV catamaran is still a displacement vessel. The overall objective of the proposal is to study and evaluate the captured air hull with special emphasis on the M-hull design. The technical objectives are listed below: 1. Study the hydrodynamic phenomena of the M-hull. 2. Develop CFD design tools to evaluate wave interference on the M-hull. 3. Evaluate the influence of body parameter variations and multi M-hull alternatives on performance criteria. 4. Define/evaluate current requirements, capabilities and limitations of Navy vessels. 5. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of this hull technology for Naval applications. Optional: Develop CFD tools for evaluating M-hull and air captured hull designs. Mangia Onda''''''''s proprietary M-hull technology has demonstrated, on a limited basis, the ability to transcend the limitations of the conventional hull form categories. The hull geometry and the captured air plenums allow the ship to automatically and naturally seek the most efficient form of lift depending on speed, payload and sea condition. This remarkable feature is demonstrated on several small vessels. The challenge now is to develop tools to quantify the potential of the M-hull and other captured air hulls and explore the full potential of the design for a broad range of Naval applications.

The purpose of this SBIR Phase 2 project is to expand the performance potential of the M-hull - M Ship’s next generation hull form technology – for larger military vessels to meet US Navy requirements for surface warfare. M Ship successfully completed an SBIR Phase 1 project with the objective of studying the hydrodynamic phenomenon of the M-hull as a better alternative to conventional displacement hulls for current and future Navy vessels. Upon completion of the Phase 1 feasibility study that ended in July 2004, M Ship and others realized the M-hull’s potential as a "sea change" for large vessels.

Keywords:
Seakeeping, Multi-Hull Technology, Efficient Hull, M-Hull, Scalability, Dynamic Lift Technology, High-Speed Performance