Development of a high speed planing trimaran with hydrofoil support
Date
2007-12
Authors
Grobler, Barend
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The successful use of hydrofoil systems on catamarans, such as the Hysucat, led to the
development of a similar foil system for a high speed trimaran.
Firstly a mathematical model was developed to calculate the equilibrium planing conditions of a
planing trimaran. This was then used in the hydrodynamic design of a fully planing trimaran with
a design speed of 65 kn. The mathematical model was then modified to include the effects of
added hydrofoils. This model was then used to design a hydrofoil support system for the planing
trimaran.
Towing tank tests were then performed on a scale model of the boat, with and without the
supporting hydrofoil system. This was done to verify the theoretical design and to gather
resistance data, which could then be compared to other boats.
The results showed a notable improvement in efficiency of the boat with the addition of foils. The
conclusion was made that with the addition of a well-designed foil system, hull efficiencies
similar to that expected for the Hysucat, can be attained when the foil system is added to the
trimaran.
As this work was focused mainly on the high-speed performance of the boat, it is not certain how
the boat will perform through the speed-range. It is therefore recommended that further testing be
done, to determine the performance of the boat at lower speeds.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Hydrofoils, High-speed, Dissertations -- Mechanical engineering, Theses -- Mechanical engineering, Trimarans, Hydrofoil boats