Trimaran Motion Damping via Hydrofoil Segmentation

The patent divides the motion control function into separate devices: forward motion damping devices positioned at the bow and aft motion damping devices positioned at the stern. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function - the forward devices primarily dampen pitch motion while the aft devices primarily dampen roll motion, thereby reducing unwanted yaw forces that would otherwise be generated by anti-roll fins

The patent introduces motion damping devices as intermediary elements between the hull and the waves. These damping devices act as mediators that absorb and dissipate wave-induced motion energies without directly generating the harmful yaw forces that conventional anti-roll fins do. The damping devices provide the necessary stability while minimizing unwanted side effects through their specialized positioning and hydrodynamic design

The patent employs dynamic motion damping devices that can respond to wave-induced motions in real-time. The forward motion damping devices and aft motion damping devices are positioned to dynamically counteract pitch and roll motions respectively, providing active stabilization that allows the vessel to maintain its long, thin high-speed hull configuration without suffering from excessive wave-induced instability

The patent changes the hydrodynamic parameters of the vessel by introducing damping devices with specific second moment of area ratios. The forward motion damping device has a second moment of area about the centre of flotation that is between 5% and 15% of the waterplane's second moment of area, while the aft motion damping devices have second moments of area about the centreline that are between 2% and 6% of the transverse second moment of area of the waterplane. These parameter optimizations allow the long, thin hull to achieve both high speed and wave-induced stability