LOW"Maximizing Lift with Hydrofoil Simulation Calculator | Accuracy Verified

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the verification of results from a hydrofoil simulation calculator, specifically focusing on maximizing lift under certain conditions. Participants explore the implications of various parameters such as speed, foil area, and angle of attack, as well as the potential effects of adding ducting around the hydrofoil.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The initial poster presents specific input parameters for a hydrofoil simulation and questions the accuracy of the calculated lift of 53,690 pounds.
  • Some participants find the lift numbers plausible, comparing them to those used in high-performance sailing, such as America's Cup yachts.
  • There is a discussion about the potential benefits of adding rectangular ducting around the hydrofoil, including improved tracking and cleaner flow across the foil, as well as reduced lateral lift differential.
  • A participant questions the thickness-to-chord ratio of 0.5, prompting a consideration of whether such thickness is typical for hydrofoils.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express varying degrees of belief in the accuracy of the lift calculations, but no consensus is reached regarding the typical thickness of hydrofoils or the definitive effects of ducting.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions behind the lift calculation or the specific conditions under which the hydrofoil operates, leaving some uncertainty regarding the implications of the parameters discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in hydrofoil design, fluid dynamics, and performance optimization in marine applications may find this discussion relevant.

urbsurfer
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I downloaded a hydrofoil simulation calculator and wanted to verify the results I am getting.
Can someone tell me if the following numbers are accurate? I am trying to get the highest amount of lift I can for a constant water velocity over hydrofoil of 20m/sec or 38.9Knots. I am also trying to keep the foil span as short as possible.

Here are the input numbers:
Foil Area Square Meters: 1 Sq M (1M span X 1M chord)
Speed M/sec: 20 M/sec
density of water kg/m^3: 1000
thickness of foil divided by chord: 0.5
Aspect ratio (Foil span/chord): 1 "This is a square foil I know"
Angle of attack: 14.32 degrees
Profile Curvature: 0.25

The calculation is claiming that the hydrofoil would produce 53690 pounds of lift with these numbers. I need to make sure this is true and also that the wing is not in a stalled state on these numbers.
Greatly appreciated. Sidenote: Would anything change if I put a rectangular ducting around the hyrdrofoil? I know in airfoils and fans, the ducting produces more volume of airflow.
BE
 
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The numbers sound believable. It is not so different than the foils that lift America's Cup racing yachts out of the water.
 
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urbsurfer said:
Sidenote: Would anything change if I put a rectangular ducting around the hyrdrofoil? I know in airfoils and fans, the ducting produces more volume of airflow.
It should have a few effects having ducting around the hydrofoil. Having ducting will improve the straight line tracking of the vessel, as well as keeping the flow across the foil cleaner. It would also reduce spillage across the side of the foil, reducing likelihood of one side producing more lift than the other. Being a narrow foil, maintaining even latteral lift will be crucial, as the effects of latteral lift differential (capsizing) will likely be quicker than a foil with the same amount of lift, generated over a wider area.
 
0.5 t/c? Are all hydrofoils that thick?
 

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