EvoloFoil.com

Performance Prediction Tool

 A physics-based tool-suite for rapid performance analysis of hydrofoiling craft, from personal e-foilers to naval corvettes. The tool computes entities such as trim, lift, drag, stability margins and power requirements across the full speed range, giving engineers actionable data for design decisions early in the development cycle.

The solver models every major contributor to drag and lift: wing, tail, strut, fuselage, hull, propulsor and superstructure. It finds the trim state (pitch angle, elevator/canard deflections, hull draught) at each operating point. A speed sweep from hull-borne to fully foil-borne flight is computed in seconds, producing a complete picture of vehicle performance.

Methodology

At each speed step the solver iterates on pitch angle and elevator deflection until vertical force equilibrium is satisfied within a defined tolerance under assumptions of steady conditions. Wing, tail, and strut lift are computed from section polars corrected for finite span using lifting-line theory and the Oswald span efficiency factor for 3D correction. Profile drag is integrated from the polar data at the trimmed angle of attack; induced drag is computed from the lift coefficient and aspect ratio. Hull drag and residual buoyant lift are evaluated as functions of draught and speed, allowing the model to follow the craft through the entire take-off corridor. Propulsor thrust is matched to total drag at each speed, and a propwash dynamic-pressure correction adjusts the effective inflow to foils in the slipstream. Energy consumption is integrated along the speed sweep and compared against the installed battery capacity to produce range and endurance predictions.

Key Capabilities

  • Multi-component aero/hydrodynamic model: Wing, tail, strut, fuselage, hull, and propulsor each contribute to lift and drag using validated polar data.

  • Induced and profile drag decomposition: Span efficiency, aspect ratio, and foil-section data are combined to give precise breakdowns of induced versus parasitic drag, which is essential for foil geometry optimisation.

  • Hull-to-foil transition modelling: At low speeds the hull provides residual lift and displacement drag. The solver automatically blends hull and foil contributions so the full take-off corridor is captured.

  • Propulsion system integration: Propulsor modelling includes propwash dynamic pressure correction  and drivetrain efficiency, enabling accurate range and endurance predictions.

  • Battery and energy budgeting: An integrated battery-pack model (capacity, mass, drain limits) converts power demand into range and endurance plots.

  • Multi-vehicle configuration library: Pre-defined configs span manned e-foilers, unmanned platforms, two-seat craft, and a 600-tonne naval corvette.

  • Automated reporting: Speed-sweep results are exported as publication-ready figures and optional written reports.

Typical Use Cases

  • Concept sizing: comparing foil planform and section alternatives before any CFD or tank testing.

  • Drag budget reviews: identifying which component dominates drag at the design speed.

  • Range and endurance certification support for electric foiling vessels.

  • Trade-off studies: battery mass versus speed versus range for autonomous platforms.

  • Feasibility assessment for large foiling vessels where propulsion power is the binding constraint.