An investigation of the response of a hovercraft to surfaces performing heaving and pitching motions

The rapid development of hovercraft during the past decade has involved a concentrated effort on research and development to overcome the problems associated with a new form of transport. Some of the problems have not yet been solved and, in particular, the question of ride and stability characteristics is most important. An experimental and theoretical study has been made to achieve a method of prediction of stiffness and damping parameters through the change of cushion pressure during forcing of the cushion. [Continues.]