Wave resistance of a hovercraft moving in water with nonrigid bottom

Surface waves generated by a moving ship in water of finite depth are affec ted by the rheological properties of the movable bottom. The aim of this wo rk is to evaluate the wave resistance exerted on a hovercraft modeled as a two-dimensional pressure distribution moving on the free surface of water w ith nonrigid bottom. Analysis of three-dimensional hows in two-fluid layers of finite depths is performed by assuming an inviscid upper layer (water) and a viscous lower layer (nonrigid bottom). Numerical calculations show th at the maximum wave resistance occurs in the vicinity of the critical Froud e number F=1. This maximum value decreases as the muddy bottom becomes less rigid. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.