Abstract

_The analysis of the dynamics of a boat advancing across the sea is an interesting and challenging problem. From an engineering point of view it is useful to evaluate the dynamic behaviour of a hull in as many configurations as possible. This can be a helpful tool in boat design, where it can be used to support the designer in the hull performance optimization, especially in high level competition as the America’s Cup. The aim of this work is to develop an accurate and robust numerical model which permits to simulate the dynamics of a boat efficiently. In order to accomplish this task, it is necessary to estimate the loads exerted by the fluids (air and water) on the structure and the dynamic response of the structure to these loads. The fluid-structure interaction coupling algorithm has been implemented and a varied range of dynamics have been studied. The work was carried out at Politecnico Milano in collaboration with the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne) which is the official technical sponsor of the Alinghi Team, defender of the America Cup Trophy._