Application of Ship-Wave Theory to the Hydrofoil of Finite Span

Abstract

It is demonstrated in this paper2 that the deepwater wave drag of a hydrofoil of finite span can be found directly from the theory developed largely for ship hydrodynamics by Havelock and others. The wave drag is then studied at high Froude numbers and from the observed behavior the induced drag of the hydrofoil can be deduced from existing aerodynamic formulas. Evaluation of the resulting formulas is effected for two arbitrary load distributions and a comparison with some model test results is made. A practical approximation which gives the influence of gravity over a range of high Froude numbers is found and from this one can deduce a Froude number beyond which the effects of gravity may be ignored. It is also shown that an expression for the waves at some distance aft of the hydrofoil can be deduced from the general formulas developed for ship hydrodynamics. A discussion of the wave pattern is given with particular emphasis on the centerline profile at high Froude numbers and a contrast is pointed out in regard to the results of the two-dimensional theory for the hydrofoil waves and wave resistance.