Constraint analysis methodology for ground-effect vehicle conceptual design

The present work describes the constraint analysis methodology to perform initial sizing for generic wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicles which can be used for their initial conceptual design and the design space exploration. Constraint formulations based on classical equations of motion were adapted for different types of WIG craft to obtain a compact set of equations to visually represent the feasible design space. Relations for classical WIG, power-augmented WIG craft (PARWIG), and dynamic air cushioning WIG craft (DACWIG) were developed to account for various vehicle configurations and model their specific features. Apart from theoretical and available semi-empirical formulations for WIG craft, additional constants and correction factors were recommended using verified time-dependent simulations of several reference WIG craft to enhance the accuracy of the method and perform verification studies. Constraint diagrams and corresponding design spaces were compared to existing data of WIG craft and demonstrated strong capabilities of the method to create the design space with reasonable wing loadings and thrust (power)-to-weight ratios. Finally, directions to apply, improve, and further verify the formulations are suggested.