Hydrofoil Watercraft
Initial Aim
-
Design and fabricate a remote-controlled hydrofoil watercraft featuring easily interchangeable hydrofoils.
-
Focused on versatility and modularity.
Refining Project Focus
-
Prioritized stability and safety over efficiency and versatility.
-
Involved evaluating numerous hydrofoil configurations and control mechanisms against safety metrics.
Finalized Design
-
Development of a safety mechanism to aid in the emergency transition between foil-borne and hull-borne travel.
-
Earned a provisional patent for a Retracting Hydrofoil Jet Drive System.
Project Overview
Monohull Design
Two variable contact V-hydrofoils in the bow
-15º engine trim angle to counteract the pitching forward moment when accelerating below hull speed
Servo actuated rear hydrofoil housing used for steering
One T-hydrofoil in the stern
PLA hull and hydrofoil housing
Elastic 3D printed clips for hydrofoil retainment
Polycarbonate hydrofoils
Catamaran Design
Polycarbonate hydrofoils
Dual EDF motors with variable thrust used for steering
Four symmetrical, variable contact V-hydrofoils
Key and lock mechanism used for hydrofoil retainment
PLA hull and coverings
Segmented hull for ease of manufacturing
Fabrication
Hydrofoil Safety Optimization
Conducted collision trials for several hydrofoil designs and measured impact acceleration
Patent: Hydrofoil Jet Drive System
Abstract: A safety system for hydrofoil watercraft may incorporate positional hydrofoils to provide a comfortable, controlled transition from hydrofoil-borne water travel to hull-borne water travel as the thrust from a jet drive system replaces the lifting force of hydrofoils of the watercraft.
