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

We will now instruct the Optimizer to determine the lowest drag for a specified lift in transonic flow. The Optimizer identifies that it is essential to flatten the airfoil to reduce pressure drag. It concludes that rounding the leading edge and sharpening the trailing edge, along with flattening the top, are necessary to effectively redesign the supercritical airfoil, albeit with advancements made over the past few decades.

Additionally, our optimization process can be applied in three dimensions. Although the example presented is a few years old, it remains relevant. We refer to this design as the "crappy wing," which is a random variation of shape. Our optimization achieves a smooth pressure distribution, as illustrated by the straightened CP contours. This results in a shock-free, single-point optimized wing with an elliptical distribution.

Our research has extended beyond aircraft configurations to other applications, such as wind turbines and hydrofoils. This connection led us to collaborate with American Magic, who reached out after reviewing our research papers. We decided to begin with a straightforward approach, focusing on 2D sections of the T-foil, which is critical for providing lift and stability.