Accuracy of Hydrofoil Loading Predictions Obtained from a Lifting-Surface Computer Program.

Abstract : To provide guidance for hydrofoil designers, an extensive operational evaluation was made of a computer-based lifting-surface theory for calculating hydrodynamic loading on hydrofoils in steady and unsteady motion in inviscid, subcavitating flow at finite depth. Both the numerical stability and the accuracy in comparison with model data were estimated. By use of an empirical correction, lift predictions can be made with an accuracy of about 15 to 20 percent, while pitching moment predictions are substantially less accurate. Determination of the accuracy was hindered by insufficient or imprecise data. Documentation for the computer program is given. (Author)