On this page we will gradually assemble reference materials for skirt design, primarily for amphibious hovercraft.
CAA Report 97008
Our first reference is CAA Report 97008. This documents work carried out by BHC in Cowes supported by Vosper Thornycroft and Hovermarine International looking at the stability boundary before tuck-in occurs in transverse motion and a craft rolls until supported by buoyancy forces.
A summary and introduction to the report is given on this page, where a link to the document itself and a link to a related extract from the CAA BHSR’s is given.
Investigation into the Plowing-in and Overturning of Ground Effect Machines
Report No 27
Norman K Walker and Edwin P Rood Jr
Prepared for the US Bureau of Ships under Contract Mobs 90127
by Norman K Walker Associates Inc., 7240 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda 14, Maryland 20014, USA
Summary
This unclassified Report presents studies of Plough-in and Overturning in Roll of early hovercraft. Studies were based on the SKMR-1 and SR.N5. Both theoretical analysis and model testing for verification of the theory are presented. The SR.N5 was also tested with extended side panels to provide stabilizing when the skirt bag folded back and this was able to prevent overturn. The testing verified that roll overturn occured at aproximately hump speed in sideways motion. This is consistent with the background to CAA Report 97008.
The Report can be accessed by clicking on the paper Title above.
This report documents a classic and important piece of ACV research.
The Air Cushion Technology Programme at the University of Toronto
P A Sullivan
Institute of Aerospace Studies, University of Toronto
First International Hovering Craft Conference, Brighton , England 13-16 May 1974
Overview
Professor Phil Sullivan reviews the origins and objectives of the UTIAS air cushion technology research programme and discusses results recent to the presentation in May 1974.
Pitch tests on open loop and segment and jupe type skirts (investigating skirt stiffness and stabilising forces), together with some exploratory material testing is presented. The material testing looked at tear strength, notching, fatigue, abrasion, and dynamic properties. The effect of installed power and lift fan characteristics on skirt behaviour were also studied.
External noise properties of an ACV propeller have also been investigated, and some data is presented.
The work at UTIAS continued through the 1970’s and 1980’s, supported by the Canadian Department of Transportation and National Research Council that had a significant interest in hovercraft and hover platforms for development in the far Northwest. A stream of reports and papers were issued through the Canadian NRC in that period.
Note: This paper was presented but not included in the bound Transactions volume of the Brighton Conference in May 1974.
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