• Dr. Christine Ikeda
  • School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering University of New Orleans
  • Torg 1060
  • 4:00 p.m.
  • Faculty Host: Dr.Brown

Abstract: High-speed planing craft have a complex fluid-structure interaction while operating in waves. These craft are subject to repeated slamming events in waves that depend on the wave topography, impact angle, forward speed, encounter angle, and height of the vessel relative to the water surface. Wave-load predictions, rigid body motions, and structural response are difficult to predict due to the complex interactions of this nonlinear phenomenon. Much of the criteria for designing high-speed planing craft are based on semi-empirical data and often lead to overly conservative designs. A series of experiments at the laboratory scale have been conducted to better understand the hydroelasticity of these slamming events. A variety of measurements will be showcased including rigid-body positions and accelerations, hydrodynamic loading, and structural response. A rigid-wedge drop experiment was conducted to measure the heave motions and accelerations as well as the pressure loading on the bottom of the structure. A series of tow tank experiments were conducted with high-speed planing models in waves measuring encounter wave topography, rigid body motions, accelerations, and pressure. The tow tank experiments were conducted at two scales, and the only degrees of freedom were heave and pitch. Finally, a flexible-wedge drop experiment was conducted to measure rigid-body motions and accelerations, pressure loading, and the resulting strain field. Results from this experimental study are compared with theoretical predictions. Future directions of this work in progress will also be discussed.

Bio: Christine Marie Ikeda received her B.S. (‘06), M.S. (’11), and Ph.D. (’12) from the University of Maryland in Mechanical Engineering. Her PhD topic was on "Fluid Structure Interactions: Implosions of Shell Structures and Wave Impact on a Flat Plate” under the mentorship of James Duncan. Dr. Ikeda held the position of Assistant Research Professor at the United States Naval Academy from 2012 to 2014 in the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at The University of New Orleans and has recently won the Young Investigator award from the Office of Naval Research (ONR). She conducts research in experimental fluid-structure interactions dealing with high-speed planing craft and off-shore structures.