MathCAD model for the estimation of cost and main characteristics of air-cushion vehicles in the preliminary design stage

In the naval architecture terminology, the term ACV (Air Cushion Vehicle) refers to this category of vehicles, in which a significant portion of the weight (or all the weight) is supported by forces arising from air pressures developed around the craft, as a result of which they hover in close proximity to the sea. Major types are hovercrafts and SES (Surface Effect Ships). A well-designed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) is superior to a conventional ship, because it has less drag and requires less horsepower to operate at the same speed. An ACV is much more fuel-efficient than a ship with similar capacity or size. Rising fuel prices and shortages will make ACVs a desirable form of transportation in the future. In order to cover this future trend in marine transportation, a MathCAD model for the estimation of the main characteristics of Air Cushion Vehicles in the preliminary design stage is being developed. This model is based on a statistical analysis of the various parameters of existing crafts. For this reason, a statistical database has been created using publicly available information. A regression analysis has been performed using the data collected and the trend lines for every case have been derived.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Ocean Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Gougoulidis, Georgios

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Timothy J. McCoy and Henry S. Marcus.

• Ocean Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33563

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33563