In-Flight Testing and Control of Cavitation and Ventilation on a Surface-Piercing Foil.
Abstract
Technology developments on hydrofoils, such as modern materials and control systems, are likely to result in an increased use of hydrofoils as design solution for fast speed craft. These developments come with their own set of challenges: for instance, the hydro-elastic response of a composite hydrofoil, which in combination with cavitation and ventilation phenomena results in complex interactions with the control system. The main objective of this research is to conduct experiments to test and validate a novel method forin-flight sensing & control of cavitation & ventilation on a moving lifting body in waves. Foil control around regime transitions (inception of cavitation & ventilation) are critical for the operation and safety of high-speed vehicles; but at the same time there are to the date no model tests where active control is combined with waves, cavitation and ventilation. MARIN has developed the current proposal with the specific objective to control actively the lift aroundthe transition between flow regimes by means of low-frequency, high-amplitude angle of attack variations, with presence of waves and cavitation. This control will be based on a low-frequency and high-amplitude yaw control technique, to be used in conjunction with the measurements of the forces and deformations.The performance of control systems will be investigated in realistic conditions, including waves and presence of cavitation and ventilation.A possible outcome is that, under certain regimes, the developed control system might not keep a steady lift force. This will be, however, still be a useful outcome of the project, as there is little research available on control system performance in the presence of combined waves, cavitation, and ventilation; and it will be a first step in determining whether and when additional control elements are needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N629092112039
Entities
People
- Francisco Miguel Montero
Organizations
- Maritime Research Institute Netherlands
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy