scaling applied to multihulls

Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by peterchech, Jul 29, 2011.

  1. peterchech
    Joined: Aug 2010
    Posts: 241
    Likes: 9, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 127
    Location: new jersey

    peterchech Senior Member

    I am not seriously considering scaling up any designs in the near future, but after reading many posts about the scaling up of monohulls and the laws of "mechanical similitude" I got to wondering :D...

    general consensus seems to be that, for the most part, a monohull can be safely lengthened by up to 10% without negative consequences, often gaining in stability. This can be done by simply increasing distance between station molds. Does this apply equally to a cat or tri?

    general consensus also seems to be that increasing the overall dimensions of a monohull shouldn't be done more than 2-3% if at all. Again, multihulls?
     
    peterchech, Jul 29, 2011
    #1
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,802
    Likes: 1,721, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    Whenever you change the overall dimensions by more than 10%, you need to re-engineer all the structure. That applies to multihulls too. For example, a 10' wave will be 100% of the length of a 10' hull but only 20% of a 50' hull. The stresses and handling are very different.
     
    gonzo, Jul 29, 2011
    #2
  3. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    The laws of mechanical similitude apply to kitchen chairs, office desks, mutli hulls and everything else alike.
     
    PAR, Jul 30, 2011
    #3
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.