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

It is a pleasure to be here today to present this talk. I would like to express my gratitude to the American Magic Team, the sponsor and founder of this work during the recent America's Cup cycle. I also want to acknowledge my co-authors and collaborators: Eirikur Jonsson, Andrew Lamkin, Yingjian Liao, Galen Ng, Anil Yildirim, and Hal Youngren. They are all students in my lab who contributed to this project. Hal Youngren, in particular, provided valuable insights from the American Magic side, ensuring our work remained grounded and practical.

As a child, I spent a significant amount of time sailing, particularly in an Optimist class boat. While much slower than America's Cup vessels, this boat's square bow illustrates the effects of wave drag; when it encounters waves, you can feel the deceleration. Both wave drag and friction drag significantly impede speed. My early experiences allowed me to appreciate the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces at play, which ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

In my journey, I became increasingly interested in airplanes and the dynamics of flight. I discovered that when the wing design is robust enough, wave drag can be substantially reduced, leading to increased speed. However, challenges such as flow separation can arise, making this a complex and exciting area of study. Understanding the contributions of viscous drag and wave drag is crucial for improving performance in sailing and aviation.