HYDROFOIL CONTROL STUDY FOR BUREAU OF SHIPS.

Abstract : The results of a hydrofoil control study program on 110-ton craft are documented and scale factors are given for converting the results to 300-ton craft. Analytical studies were performed of the hydrofoil auto-pilot control systems longitudinal and lateral plane stability and response characteristics. Analog computer simulations were performed, which included all the significant system nonlinearities, to determine the hydrofoil crafts response to various sea states (sea state 5 maximum) in the longitudinal plane, the lateral plane, and with both planes coupled (six degrees of freedom). Various methods of measuring craft height above the water were investigated. A recommended mechanization of the complete control system is given that stresses high reliability with fail-safe operational capability. (Author)