Dynamic stability of a seaplane in takeoff

Abstract

This research is based on the investigation into the dynamic stability associated with seaplanes during take-off. Various forces acting on a hydroplaning hull form have been empirically defined. Such empirical data have shown that under a certain set of conditions, a hydroplaning hull will begin to porpoise, an instability oscillation in both the vertical direction, and about the centre of gravity In order to investigate the porpoising motion, a shallow water flume was used. It was the first time that such facility has been used to simulate the dynamic motion of hydroplaning hull forms. An experimental method derived from the store release experiments was derived for the dynamics measurements. The equipment developed has led to an analysis of a flat plate hull porpoising in a supercritical channel. The porpoising limit has then been very well defined.