INFLUENCE OF SHALLOW WATER ON SEAWORTHINESS OF HIGH SPEED CATAMARANS

The article describes some seaworthiness problems of high speed catamarans, intended for operation in shallow water fairways. Seaworthiness problems of high speed catamarans had been considered in historical aspect from antiquity to nowadays. The description of the landing catamaran which was used by ancient Romans is given. Catamarans of Oceania inhabitants, Burma royal catamaran and modern passenger catamaran used in Russia Federation are described. The influence of shallow water in their design is rated. Change of wave resistance in shallow water at increasing speed has been shown. The wave resistance reaches its maximum value at so-called critical speed. After overcoming this speed, the vessel moves to the supercritical speed zone and maintains the constant design speed at any depth of the fairway including deep water. The assessment of the suitability of establishing high speed catamarans for Inland Waterways of the Union of Myanmar is carried out with account taken of Russian experience in scientific research, design, construction and operation of this kind of vessel.