TANK TESTING AND DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF SAILBOAT HYDRODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

This paper describes current tank testing and data analysis techniques with an emphasis on aspects critical to International America's Cup Class (IACC) sailboats. Pre-test planning is discussed from the perspective of long testing programs typical of well-funded IACC campaigns. Initial considerations such as scale selection, model construction techniques/materials and the definition of the test matrix are discussed. Dynamometer design is reviewed and procedures to overcome its limitations are presented. Tankery issues such as waiting time, velocity measurement and residual turbulence are examined and recommendations for resolving these are given. Finally, typical data extrapolation techniques are discussed including the development of hydrodynamic models for Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) use.