Propulsion performance analysis of hydrofoil on a wave-powered boat

Abstract

Objectives This study is focused on the influence of the hydrodynamic performance of hydrofoils on the propulsion of wave-powered boats. The hydrofoil rotation around the center of the wave-powered boat and the passive rotation around the center of the hydrofoil itself are?simulated when a?wave-powered boat is heaving and pitching. Methods The multi-hull dynamic equation of the wave-powered boat is written into fluid analysis software for analysis. Propulsion and torque are obtained by software to solve the multi-hull dynamic equation. The thrust magnitude of the wave-powered boat under different wave amplitudes and periods, and different restoring stiffness of the torsion spring, is simulated and analyzed.Results The results show that with the increase of wave amplitude, the thrust on the hydrofoil gradually increases, and with the decrease of period, the thrust on the hydrofoil gradually increases; at the same time, with the increase of the restoring stiffness of the torsion spring, the thrust on the hydrofoil first increases and then decreases, and with the change in the wake of the front hydrofoil, the thrust of the rear hydrofoil gradually becomes smaller than that of the front hydrofoil.Conclusions The results of this study can provide references for the research and design of wave-powered boats.

Keywords

• wave-powered boats
• hydrofoil
• hydrodynamic
• passive rotation