A resistance model for hydrofoil fast ferries with fully submerged foil systems

Abstract

This paper introduces an algorithmic method for the design and resistance prediction of hydrofoil vessels for fast ferry applications, using only design speed and mass as input parameters. A database of resistance estimates has been created and shared online. Furthermore, a simple model is introduced for the extension of the results to off-design speeds.The efficacy of the models is demonstrated through three case studies. Firstly, the importance of accounting for the power requirement during take-off is investigated, concluding that a simple assumption of constant speed yields accurate energy estimates for routes exceeding approximately six nautical miles.Case study number two entails a comparative analysis of hydrofoil vessel resistance to that of slender catamarans across a wide range of vessel sizes and speeds. The results reveal a potential for reducing the energy requirement of passenger fast ferries by 30% to 50% through the use of hydrofoils.The paper concludes with an investigation into the influence of surface roughness on hydrofoil resistance, indicating significant deteriorating effects even at moderate roughness levels.