A method for the prediction of motion response of hovercraft slamming on rigid surfaces

To investigate the slamming loads on hovercraft, this study innovatively integrates research on slamming loads with buffer airbag technology to develop a prediction method for the slamming loads on rigid-surface hovercraft. The numerical approach combines the Control Volume method with the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation to simulate the coupled response of the flexible skirt and rigid hull. Three operational scenarios are analyzed: no vent holes without air inflow, vent holes without air inflow, and vent holes with air inflow. Key motion parameters—including displacement, velocity, and acceleration—are extracted and compared. Results demonstrate that vent holes significantly enhance energy dissipation, while continuous air inflow improves cushioning performance by maintaining internal pressure. The proposed methodology is validated through small-scale drop tests and mesh independence studies, confirming its accuracy and computational efficiency for predicting hovercraft slamming behavior and supporting structural design.