Hydrofoil Design and Optimization for Fast Ships

This report was prepared in response to an ONR request to evaluate computationally hydrofoil based fast ship concepts. The specifications for this study were formulated to drastically reduce sea lift transit times to remote locations by a factor of five when compared to the present drag speeds of 20 knots for the upper limit of the desired speed of 100 knots. Typical projected minimum destinations and transit times are shown in Fig. 1.1. Because this study was commissioned to concentrate on a single lifting surface carrying up to 10,000 metric tons of mass above the sea surface no judgment was made as to the number and arrangement of separate foils necessary for a realistic configuration. Likewise, the analysis is for a smooth sea surface and free of assumptions regarding stability and control or the problems of propulsion. To aid in the visualization of the concept in action a possible configuration, as seen through the eyes of an artist is shown in Fig. 1.2.