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

Currently, it is not feasible to incorporate cavitation analysis within an optimization loop. To address this, we implement a straightforward solution: we impose a pressure limit. We establish this limit based on the known vapor pressure, ensuring that the pressure at any point in the airfoil remains below this threshold.

In our analysis, we consider the critical pressure coefficient, Cpmin, which determines the onset of cavitation. The results can be visualized as a boundary; areas to the left of this boundary indicate conditions where cavitation occurs, while areas to the right indicate conditions without cavitation.