Design of Yacht Adapter for Six-Component Dynamometer

There is a need for the Institute for Marine Dynamics to develop a system to test smaller yacht models. This development would increase potential client base. The current yacht dynamometer requires large yacht models and a lengthy test program and has a limited client base. As part of the ALSC project two six component tow post dynamometers were design and fabricated. The smaller dynamometer was thought to be useful for testing smaller yacht models. Primary criteria were established to verify whether or not the ALSC dynamometer has the correct range for the anticipated forces upon a smaller yacht model. Deemed satisfactory, secondary criteria were established for the development of the yacht adapter, using the ALSC dynamometer and tow post. The main criteria for the adapter were it to be free to pitch and heave, but fixed in sway, surge, roll and lift. Due to the precision of yaw deflection (0.005) the existing tow post was found to lack the required stiffness. Based on data for carbon fiber a new post design was proposed. Assumed to be appropriate, recommendations for the carbon post include further investigation with a finite element analysis package. This is required because of the complicated nature of carbon fiber, in the unique setting of the two post environment. The other components of the adapter were completed successfully.NRC publication: Ye