Towards a general design evaluation tool: The development and validation of a VPP for autonomous sailing monohulls
Published in Applied Ocean Research, 2022
This paper proposes a novel velocity prediction program (VPP) framework tailored for autonomous sailing monohulls, addressing key limitations of traditional methods. By integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-compatible hydrodynamic models and an enhanced genetic algorithm (GA) solver with end-place optimization, the VPP achieves 40% faster convergence without prior performance estimates. Its innovative NIBO strategy leverages state continuity to reduce computational load by 30% while smoothing prediction fluctuations. Validated through numerical simulations and sea trials (error <15% in low-wind scenarios), this tool enables quantitative comparisons of unconventional hull-sail-keel configurations during conceptual design. The work, published in Applied Ocean Research (SCI Q2), establishes a foundation for autonomous sailboat optimization and mission planning.
Recommended citation: Yang An, Jiancheng Yu*, Feng Hu, and Zhenyu Wang. (2022). "Towards a general design evaluation tool: The development and validation of a VPP for autonomous sailing monohulls." Applied Ocean Research. 121, 103053.
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