GROUP PROJECT- DYNM1006

Title: Designing a Hovercraft for flood relief

Course: Engineering Systems Dynamics

Course Code: DYNM1006

Instructor: Mr. Aaron Ameerali

Due Date: 08/03/18

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................... 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 1
FORCES GENERATED .............................................................................................................................. 5
SIGNIFICANT VARIABLES ...................................................................................................................... 5
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS ......................................................................................................................... 6
Design#1 ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Design#2: .................................................................................................................................................. 7
NOMENCLATURE ..................................................................................................................................... 9
MISCELLANEOUS SYMBOLS AND SUBSCRIPTS ............................................................................... 9
ALTERNATIVE HORIZONTAL FORCE BALANCE ............................................................................ 17
ECONOMIC COSTING ............................................................................................................................. 18
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 19
OBJECTIVES

➢ Design a hovercraft that

• Can carry a single pilot with 5 kg of supplies

• Can be carried easily by 2 persons

• Is economically feasible

➢ A presentation of design considerations (background information, forces generated,

significant variables)

➢ A portfolio of alternative designs along with a proposed final design for the device.

➢ Develop mathematical models for the system to describe the speed and distance travelled

of the

hovercraft vs force applied and a model to predict the maximum payload that the craft

can carry

➢ Describe the experimental method used to determine the coefficient of friction

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A hovercraft (or "air cushion vehicle") is a machine that "hovers" on a cushion of air above the

surface it is traveling over. The hovercraft was invented in 1952 by a British scientist by the

name of Sir Christopher Cockerell. A conventional hovercraft has three main components: a

platform, a lift and propulsion system, and a skirt.

1
Figure 1: A diagram illustrating the parts of a hovercraft
The fan blows air underneath the platform, where it is trapped between the platform and

the ground by the skirt. This region of trapped air underneath the hovercraft is called a plenum

chamber, and the air flowing into the chamber forms a ring of circulating air around the base of

the skirt that helps to keep the air underneath the platform from escaping. Since more air is being

forced into the chamber all the time, the air underneath the hovercraft is at higher pressure than

the air outside of the chamber. This high-pressure air pushes up on the hovercraft. When air

pushing upward on the hovercraft perfectly balances the weight, the hovercraft floats on a

cushion of high pressure air.

To understand the concept of how the hovercraft works, it can be compared to a raft.

However, the main difference is that a raft floats on water because it is less dense than the water.

When you put a raft on land, there is nothing but air to float on, and a raft is denser than air.

However, a hovercraft solves that by making enough air pressure under itself, that it sits on that

air instead of on the ground. So, when a hovercraft goes out onto the water, it is not floating on

the water, it is still floating on air.

Using a hovercraft during flooding can virtually meet all of the demands made in such an

unpredictable situation. As hovercrafts are not built with propellers, they do not risk being

critically damaged and thus useless to the aid initiative. Although large debris can prove to be

2
difficult to navigate and sometimes make rescue missions futile, operators of hovercrafts have

much less to worry about in this regard. Smaller floating debris, like plastic bags, litter, broken

up furniture and fencing can be easily passed through with a hovercraft. In comparison, a boat

would risk getting plastic and other garbage stuck in its propellers and breaking down the craft

entirely. The hovercraft is also able to travel through shallow and fast-moving moving water, and

through rapidly changing levels of flooding to rescue any victims of the flood quickly.

Using a hovercraft during flooding can save lives. It is a safe craft that has virtually

unlimited access to any accident and disaster areas. It’s not only capable of maneuvering through

a flood, stony creeks, and open lakes with two-foot waves, but also able to travel over land,

snow, ice and grassy fields. Another major advantage of the using a hovercraft during flooding is

that the driver will be protected from the various diseases present in the water since they will not

come into contact with it.

The lift on a hovercraft varies from design to design based on the intended purpose of the

hovercraft. Now the lift on a hovercraft is slightly different than the lift on an airplane. An

airplane generates lift by gaining speed to create pressure under the wings, and a vacuum above

it. All these factors result in the airplane being lifted into the air. The difference in lift between

the two vessels is that the lift of a hovercraft is not as dependent on speed as an airplane. Usually

a hovercraft will have a lift motor that pressurizes the chamber under the skirt. The more

pressure that is built up under the skirt, the higher it hovers because it is creating a larger cushion

of air to sit on due to a greater force lifting the hovercraft (as a result of the higher pressure).

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The lift factor becomes a major consideration in the design of the hovercraft. In the case of the

single person design, the leaf blower is usually used to generate pressure because not as much is

required for lift.

A major advantage of a hovercraft is that, due to the very low pressure 'footprint' it can

travel over almost any type of flat surface - it makes no difference how solid the surface is -

grass, water, mud, sand, gravel - it's all the same to a hovercraft. As a hovercraft is "floating"

above the surface it can travel up a fast-flowing river at the same speed as it can travel

downriver. Also, the inherent efficiency of a hovercraft means it consumes far less fuel (and

therefore generates less atmospheric pollution) than almost any other form of transport.

However, the disadvantages of the hovercraft are that it can't climb steep hills (much over

20 degrees or so) or travel over extremely rough surfaces (bushes or small shrubs or tall stiff

grass for example). They can't travel over surfaces that contain long sharp objects (branches,

roots or large sharp rocks) that could damage the skirt or hull. The air based steering system also

makes it difficult for a hovercraft to travel in very confined spaces (it's difficult to drive along a

narrow track or roadway).

4
FORCES GENERATED

Fa
Hovercraft
w Ft
L

Diagram#1: Showing free body diagram (forward motion)

∑ of Horizontal Forces: (P > F) The push (Fa) propels the hovercraft forward, and the frictional

force (Ft) opposes this motion.

∑ of Vertical forces: Assuming the upward force from air (L) is greater than the downward force

from gravity (mgh), the net vertical force is upwards. The push force is required to allow the

hovercraft to move with a certain velocity going in the direction of the force.

SIGNIFICANT VARIABLES

➢ Mass of hovercraft

➢ Volumetric flow rate of leaf blower

➢ Pressure of air cushion

➢ Area of hovercraft base

➢ Force Applied

➢ Frictional Force

5
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS
Design#1:

Top View

Bottom View
Chair

Leaf blower Paint can cover

Hull
(Plywood) Skirt

Skirt

Figure 1: Illustrating the top and bottom view of the hovercraft design

The diagram above displays a circular base made of two (2) pieces of plywood glued

together for extra support and durability. The cushion would be made of tarpaulin and attached to

the first layer of plywood using industrial staples and dock tape. The centre of the base would be

pinned down using a paint can cover. By doing this, it would provide stability because air would

be flowing from the centre outwards when air is pumped into the cushion using the leaf blower.

The pinned section would prevent air from escaping too rapidly to maintain the pressure cushion.

By having a steady flow of air into the cushion and some holes at the bottom of the

tarpaulin, it would provide lift for the system. The leaf blower would be placed under the chair

6
which would be in the middle of the hovercraft for added stability. This design is easy to

implement, cost effective and works well for a hovercraft to carry only a single person since the

leaf blower I sufficiently powerful to produce a suitable cushion pressure.

Design#2:
Plan View
Back view

Air Intake

Fan

Figure 3: Illustrating another alternative solution for a hovercraft

This design utilizes a fan for propulsion at the rear of the hovercraft. The lift-propulsion

would also be offset meaning it is also at the rear pushing air to the cushion from behind. It

would be difficult to balance with most of the weight being at the back of the hovercraft. The

only way to try and correct this issue is the put the supplies and the person at the extreme front of

the craft. However, even if this is done, it runs the risk of it being off balance. It would also be

heavier which would make it difficult for two (2) people to carry. It works well for larger

hovercrafts which require room to carry several persons/equipment and can be powered with

large fans. It is difficult and costly to implement all these measures for a miniature hovercraft

7
which we area designing. Though this design lacks a propulsion system, the distance which

needs to be travelled is only 3m back and forth which can be easily reached through the use of a

gentle push due to the design’s light weight and air cushion.

Design #1 was selected since it fulfilled the objectives of this project with a much cheaper cost,

lighter weight and greater stability.

8
NOMENCLATURE

TABLE 1: Nomenclature Main Symbols

Parameter Symbol Parameter Symbol

A Acceleration A area

C Flow loss coefficient D Discharge coefficient

E Energy F Force
gravitational
G m mass
acceleration
M Mass P pressure

P Perimeter s displacement

T Time V volume

V Velocity w weight

µ friction coefficient ρ density

MISCELLANEOUS SYMBOLS AND SUBSCRIPTS

TABLE 2: Miscellaneous Symbols and Subscripts

ṁ (m as example) rate (in terms of time) Δ change

A Applied cu cushion

Atm Atmospheric f final

i Initial k kinetic

P Potential r resultant

T friction (traction)

9
m of plywood= ρV

m of plywood =600kgm-3(0.25π(1.2192m)2(0.0254m)) =17.78 kg

TABLE 3: Component Masses

Component Quantity Mass in kg

Leaf Blower 1 5

Plywood and Tarp 2 20

Pilot 1 55

Supplies N/A 5

Chair 1 1

Total mass 86kg

Vertical Force Balance

Fup-Fdown=Fr

To hover Fr=0, Fup=L, Fdown=w

L-w=0, L=w,

w=mg, L=PcuAbase

PcuAbase = mg Equation A

𝑊 𝑚𝑔
Pcu = 𝐴 =𝜋 Although the full diameter of the base is 4 ft, 3 ft will be used as towards the
𝑑2
4

edges the cushion pressure is generally lost.

10
 86𝑘𝑔×9.81 𝑚𝑠−2
Pcu = 𝜋
(0.9144𝑚)2
=1284.71 Pa
4

Using Bernoulli's Equation from Hovercraft Base to Atmosphere:

1 1
𝑃𝑖 + 𝜌𝑣𝑖2 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ𝑖 = 𝑃𝑓 + 𝜌𝑣𝑓2 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ𝑓
2 2

vf=vgap vi=vcu Assume vcu=0

(2(𝑃𝑖 −𝑃𝑓 )+𝜌𝑔ℎ𝑖 −𝜌𝑔ℎ𝑓 )

vgap=√ Elevation change is minimal hi-hf≈ 0, 𝑃𝑓 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 0(𝑔𝑎𝑢𝑔𝑒)
𝜌

Taking into account loss in relation to passing through a constricted gap.

2𝑃
vgap=𝐷√ 𝜌 𝑐𝑢 using D as 0.53 similar to an orifice plate.
𝑎𝑖𝑟

2×1284.71 Pa
vf=0.53√ =24.273ms-1
1.225𝑘𝑔𝑚−3

V̇=Ahovergapvf

Ahovergap=Perimeter(Clearance height)

V̇= Perimeter(Clearance height)vf using clearance height of 1/2"( 0.0127m)

V̇=π(0.9144m)( 0.0127m)( 24.273ms-1)=0.886 m3s-1(572 CFM) Too high (not many leaf blowers

are this strong)

use clearance height of 1/4"=0.443 m3s-1 (286 CFM) Acceptable

This determines the type of leaf blower required since they are usually rated in cubic feet per

minute (CFM).

11
 2
V̇= 𝐶 × 𝐴𝑛𝑒𝑡 √𝜌 (𝑃𝑏𝑎𝑔 − 𝑃𝑐𝑢 )

The design pressures for the skirt of the hovercraft requires at least 20% more pressure in order

to create a proper lift off the surface. If the aforementioned pressures were equal or too close, [2]

then the craft would not hover since air would lack the sufficient pressure head to allow air to

escape at a reasonable rate. As a result, no/insufficient lift would be generated.

Using Pbag = 1.3Pcu for a safe but reasonable margin above 20%.

Therefore,

2
V̇= 𝐶 × 𝐴𝑛𝑒𝑡 √𝜌 (0.3𝑃𝑐𝑢 )Assuming the C = 0.86 for a hovercraft similar to the chosen design
𝑎𝑖𝑟

V̇̇
𝐴𝑛𝑒𝑡 =
2
𝐶 × √ (0.3𝑃𝑐𝑢 )
𝜌

This value dictates the total area of all the vents beneath the hovercraft.

Assuming the coefficient, C = 0.86 for a hovercraft similar to the chosen design[2]

0.443 m3 s−1
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 = 2
=0.0205 m2
0.86 ×√ (0.3×1284.71 Pa)
1.225𝑘𝑔𝑚−3

Recall:

2
V̇= 𝐶 × 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 √𝜌 (0.3𝑃𝑐𝑢 )
𝑎𝑖𝑟

2
𝑉
( ) 𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝐶.𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
Pcu= 0.6

12
 Substitute into w= PcuAbase

2
𝑉
( 𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) 𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝐶.𝐴𝑛𝑒𝑡
wmax= Abase
0.6

Using the volumetric flow rate of the leaf blower and the area of the base which can be easily

read-off/measured the maximum payload can be calculated.

For a leaf blower providing 300 CFM (0.4648m3s-1) (standard size)

2
0.4648m3 s−1
( 2 ) 1.225𝑘𝑔𝑚−3 𝜋
0.86..0.0205 m
wmax= ( 4 × (0.9146𝑚)2 )=932.32 N, m=95 kg
0.6

Clearance
Height

0
t

Initially the hovercraft will be near the floor, the area of gap will be low creating a high velocity

at the base and according to Bernoulli’s equation, the clearance height will rapidly increase. As

the gap increases the cushion pressure will be reduced until the clearance height is stabilized.

Horizontal Force Balance (Velocity and Displacement Models)

ma=Fr usually be ma=Fa-Ft

Ft=N µk, N= ΔPA =mg, Ft=mgµk

however, applied force is not continuous, use velocity equations instead.

13
 𝐹
vi(velocity directly after push)=𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] Equation B

Allow hovercraft to move until it stops

vf=vi+(tf-ta)a

𝐹
vf=0=𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] − (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )(𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )

Using Velocity Equations

1 1 𝑣 −𝑣 −𝑣𝑖 𝑣𝑖 −0
s= 𝑣𝑖 (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 ) + 2 𝑎𝑓 (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )2 + 2 𝑎𝑖 𝑡𝑓 2 af=𝑡 𝑓−𝑡 𝑖, vf=0, af=𝑡 , ai=
𝑎 𝑓 𝑎 𝑓 −𝑡𝑎 𝑡𝑎

𝑣𝑖 1 𝑣
s= 𝑣𝑖 (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 ) − 2(𝑡 (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )2 +2 . 𝑡 𝑖 𝑡𝑓 2
𝑓 −𝑡𝑎 ) 𝑎 𝑎

1 1
s=𝑣𝑖 [(𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 ) − 2 (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 ) + 2 𝑡𝑎 )

𝑣
s= 2𝑖 [(𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 ) + 𝑡𝑎 )

𝑣
s= 2𝑖 . 𝑡𝑓

OR Using Area of graph

v
Area of Triangle=s vi

1
s=2 (base x height) Initial Coasting
Push
𝑣 0
s= 2𝑖 . 𝑡𝑓 ta tf

2𝑠
vi= 𝑡 Equation C

14
For any displacement

v
vi

vf
Initial Area=s
Push
0 ta tf

1
Area of Trapezium=s=2 (vi+vf)t

𝐹 𝐹
vi= 𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )], vf=vi-at=𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] − (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )(𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )

1 𝐹 𝐹
s=2 𝑡[(𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] + 𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] − (𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )(𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )]

1 𝐹
s=2 𝑡𝑓 [2𝑡𝑎 𝑚𝑎 − 2𝑡𝑎 (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )-(𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑎 )(𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )]

v(at any point in time ta >t> tf)=vi-at

𝐹
v=𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] − (𝑡 − 𝑡𝑎 )(𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )

[TIMES ARE UNKNOWN CANNOT SIMULATE]

15
FINDING FRICTIONAL COEFFIECIENT

Recall Equation B

𝐹
vi=𝑡𝑎 [ 𝑚𝑎 − (𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 )] Equation B

Transposed to make µk the subject in Equation C

𝐹𝑎 𝑣𝑖
− 2𝑠
𝑚 𝑡𝑎
µ𝑘 = Recall vi= 𝑡 if hovercraft was allowed to travel until it stopped
𝑚𝑔

2𝑠
𝐹𝑎 𝑡
−
𝑚 𝑡𝑎
µ𝑘 = 𝑚𝑔

𝐹𝑎 2𝑠
−
𝑚 𝑡.𝑡𝑎
µ𝑘 = Equation D
𝑚𝑔

The experiment will be conducted on a levelled surface. One person will be selected to push the

hovercraft over an estimated time of 0.5 or 1 second (ta). A timer will be started and will be

stopped when the hovercraft becomes stationary to provide total time (t). The displacement (s) of

the craft will also be measured using measuring tape. This will provide all the data necessary to

use the above equation D to find the coefficient of kinetic friction (µ𝑘 ). To calculate Fa, the same

person who pushes the hovercraft will push an object of known weight and frictional coefficient

(in relation to the sliding surface) with a similar force. The equation above can be transposed to
𝑣
make Fa the subject. 𝐹𝑎 = 𝑚[𝑡 𝑖 + 𝑚𝑔µ𝑘 ]. The experiments are conducted five times and
𝑎

averaged for accuracy.

This method is conducted under the assumption that the force applied by the person is constant

and will not deviate from the measured Fa.

16
ALTERNATIVE HORIZONTAL FORCE BALANCE

Another method that can be used to determine horizontal forces is the use of an incline which

can support the hovercraft and is of ample length. This method eliminates the obvious

inaccuracies in relation to using the force applied by a person which tends to deviate in different

trials. The main issue with this method is obtaining a suitable ramp.

Hovercraft

θ s
Ft
N
w

θ
sinw

ma=sinw-Ft (w=mg , N=cosmg, Ft=cosmgµ)

ma=sinmg- cosmgµ
𝑚𝑎+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑚𝑔
µ= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑚𝑔

a can be found using velocity equations

1 𝑠−𝑣𝑖 𝑡
s=𝑣𝑖 𝑡 + 2 𝑎𝑡 2 a=2 𝑡2

s and t ca be easily measured.

The object beings from rest therefore vi=0. s and t can be measured and recorded.

Since a is constant in this scenario the velocity time graph will look like:

0 17
t
ECONOMIC COSTING

TABLE 4: Economic Cost Analysis

MATERIALS REASONS COST/TT

1/2˝ Plywood 1. Light and strong enough to hold the expected $140

4’ x 8’ sheet maximum weight.

2. When building the skirt can be easily attached to

it.

3. Cheap and readily available.

5́ x 5́ Heavy Duty 1. It can withstand abrasions and has a long $600

Tarpaulin operating life.

2. Has great flexibility.

Industrial Staples (x2) 1. It is strong. $20

2. Relatively cheap and provides low damage risk to

the plywood.

Leaf Blower 1. It is light weight for its power output. $2000

2. Appropriate for a small hovercraft.

Beach Chair 1. Affordable and light weight. $100

Duct Tape (1 roll) 1. Provides good sealing. $20

2. Relatively strong and cheap.

Total $2880

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REFERENCES

1. Perozzo, James. Hovercrafting As a Hobby. Maverick Publications, Bend, OR, p.27,

1995.

2. Okiishi, Munson and Young. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, 5th Edition. Equation

3.20, pg122, Wiley Publishing, 2005.

3. http://cuahovercraft2008.googlepages.com/hovercraftskirtdesignandconstructiontask

4. Perozzo, James. Hovercrafting As a Hobby. Maverick Publications, Bend, OR, p.27,

1995.

5. Basic hovercraft theory. (n.d.). Retrieved from

file:///C:/Users/Patrick/Desktop/Theory%20of%20Hovercraft.pdf

6. Disbrow, A. (n.d.). Types of hovercrafts and designs. Retrieved from

http://hovertron.tripod.com/images/anthony.pdf

7. Hovercraft advantages and disadvantages. (2013, January 31). Retrieved from

http://www.hovercruiser.org.uk/about-hovercraft/19-what-is-a-hoverrcaft.html

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