A Synergetic Design Study of a Passenger-Hydrofoil Flapped Surface: Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics, Optimization, and Control

A hydrodynamic design procedure is presented, combining multi-objective sampling, metamodeling, and optimization. A design study of a flapped surface for a passenger hydrofoil is discussed. Hydrodynamics, stability and control are optimized with focus on maximum lift, minimum drag, and maneuverability/stability performance during take-off and turning maneuvers. Shape optimization and control design are applied in combination with validated CFD simulations. Specifically, the hydrodynamic design of the foil sections is achieved though optimization, combining automatic shape/grid modification, adaptive sampling and metamodeling, and multi-objective optimization algorithms for maximum lift and minimum drag. A robust control scheme is designed for the optimized shape. Flaps and rudders are commanded to stabilize roll and pitch motions, as well as steering the vessel during the desired maneuvers.