Design Optimization of Subcavitating Hydrofoils for America's Cup Class Yachts - presented by Prof. Joaquim R. R. A. Martins

Design Optimization of Subcavitating Hydrofoils for America's Cup Class Yachts

Prof. Joaquim R. R. A. Martins

Prof. Joaquim R. R. A. Martins
Slide at 25:46
Baseline and optimized foils were validated experimentally Optimized (experimental) -0.2 NACA 0009 baseline (experimental) Optimized (numerical) NACA 0009 baseline (numerical) -0.4 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035 0.04 0.045 0.05 Garg, Pearce. Brandner, Phillips, Martins, and Young. Experimental investigation of a hydrofoll designed via hydrostructural optimization Journal of Fluids and Structures, 2019
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References
  • 1.
    N. Garg et al. (2018) Experimental investigation of a hydrofoil designed via hydrostructural optimization. Journal of Fluids and Structures
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Summary (AI generated)

We conducted an optimization study on a solid aluminum foil, beginning with a NACA 009 profile. Our analysis of the NACA 009 and the optimized result closely matched experimental data obtained from a water channel. The tested foil demonstrated cavitation, but we successfully constrained it during the optimization process.

Subsequently, we advanced to composite hydrofoils, incorporating fiber tailoring. The resulting foil features a significant sweep and a smoothly curved sweep line. This design introduced hydroelastic washout, which effectively reduced the pressure peak and, consequently, prevented cavitation. It is important to note that we maintained cavitation constraints throughout this study.