Computational fluid dynamic assessment of trimaran resistance: Optimizing performance with hydrofoils across semiplaning and planing regimes

Reducing fuel consumption is a key focus in marine vessel innovation, driven by the need to lower environmental impact and operational costs. This goal can be achieved through methods that enhance hydrodynamic efficiency, such as integrating hydrofoils into hull design. This study employs computational fluid dynamics to examine the effect of adding symmetric National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 or (NACA0012) and asymmetric (NACA6612) hydrofoils to the bow and stern of a trimaran in calm water. These hydrofoils were selected due to their well-documented hydrodynamic performance and their design characteristics. Trimaran's geometry was carefully defined and hydrofoils mounted at the bow and stern via struts were illustrated. Simulations were run with STAR-CCM+ software, and the results were checked and confirmed using experimental data from a catamaran and a trimaran. Simulations covered Froude numbers from 0.5 to 1.5, corresponding to semiplaning (Fr = 0.5 to 1) where vessels are partially submerged and planing regimes (Fr = 1.0 to 1.5) where vessels rise out of water. Results showed that in semiplaning regime, NACA6612 hydrofoil outperformed NACA0012, reducing frictional drag and total resistance by minimizing wetted surface area. In planing regime, NACA6612 further excelled, significantly lowering trim, frictional drag, and total resistance. At Froude number of 1.4, it cut resistance by 38.91%, and at 1.5, trim was reduced by 76.72%. Overall, asymmetric hydrofoil is proved to be an optimal choice for resistance reduction while could potentially lead to significant improvements in efficiency and performance for both commercial and maritime applications.