Finite-volume simulation method to predict the performance of a sailing boat

 A flow-simulation method was developed to predict the performance of a sailing boat in unsteady motion on a free surface. The method is based on the time-marching, finite-volume method and the moving grid technique, including consideration of the free surface and the deformation of the under-water shape of the boat due to its arbitrary motion. The equation of motion with six degrees of freedom is solved by the use of the fluid-dynamic forces and moments obtained from the flow simulation. The sailing conditions of the boat are virtually realized by combining the simulations of water-flow and the motion of the boat. The availability is demonstrated by calculations of the steady advancing, rolling, and maneuvering motions of International America's Cup Class (IACC) sailing boats. Received: December 25, 2001 / Accepted: March 26, 2002