Tuned Vented Hull With Vibratory Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft hull designs have rigidly fixed fluid flow characteristics determined by morphology, limiting dynamic interaction and performance tuning across varying operating conditions, particularly in terms of drag and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vented hull technology with vibratory generators and transfer functions based on wave theory, vortex sheet theory, and the law of wall, allowing for dynamic manipulation of fluid flow characteristics and reconfiguration across a wide Froude number range, using acoustic and mechanical methods to interact with fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hull morphology is fixed for a particular operating condition, then the hull design is optimized for that specific condition, but the fluid flow characteristics cannot be adjusted for varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hull morphology changeable through movable flaps or panels on the hull surface. These elements can be adjusted to different positions to modify the hull's effective shape, allowing the same hull to adapt to varying operating conditions such as different speeds or wave conditions without requiring multiple fixed hull designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the hull's geometric parameters (such as beam, draft, or length) to be dynamically altered through the deployment of adjustable flaps or panels. This enables the hull to change its effective morphology to optimize performance across a range of operating conditions rather than being fixed for a single condition.
2Loss of energy
If vented hull technology is used to reduce skin friction, then viscous drag is reduced, but the fluid flow characteristics remain passively directed by hull morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vented hull technology with dynamic morphing elements, allowing the hull to actively change its shape while maintaining the vented configuration. This enables active manipulation of fluid flow characteristics beyond just passive drag reduction, as the movable flaps can adjust the flow patterns under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating both drag reduction (through venting) and active flow control (through movable morphing elements) into a single hull system. The same hull structure can simultaneously reduce skin friction while also actively directing fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
3Speed
If hull geometry is optimized for hydroplaning, then high-speed performance is improved, but the beam to length ratio is larger than non-hydroplaning hulls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using adjustable flaps or panels that can change the hull's effective beam and length ratios. When high-speed hydroplaning performance is needed, the hull can deploy elements that increase the effective beam. When lower speed or different operating conditions prevail, the elements can be repositioned to reduce the beam, allowing the hull to optimize its dimensions for each condition rather than being fixed for hydroplaning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible performance tuning of drag, stability, and efficiency, effectively responding to changes in speed and fluid flow conditions, enhancing handling and reducing hydrodynamic drag through dynamic interaction with fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
vibratory generators and transfer functions based on wave theory, vortex sheet theory, and the law of wall, allowing for dynamic manipulation of fluid flow characteristics
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of Helmholtz resonators is operationally connected to the airflow discharged from the exhaust runner(s)
Implementation Method 3
John Scott Russell developed the concept of 'Air Lubrication'. He formed this concept by pumping air around the hull to reduce skin friction (viscous drag)
Data Source
AI summary
A harmonic apparatus designed to affect the performance of waterborne vessels. The vibratory generator is tuned with respect to the fundamental frequency of the vessel at the onset of planning, the various wave patterns generated by the moving vessel and the kinematics of the vortex sheet. As the vessel moves through water, vibrational reactions occur that assist the performance of the vessel. The harmonic apparatus can be reconfigured to operate on several different modalities.