Study of IQfoil's settings and performance investigation through 6 DOF dynamic model

The gradual inclusion of an increasing number of foiling classes in the Olympic Games is prompting national teams to seek consultancy in order to reduce the adaptation time to this technology. The higher complexity of the system and the lack of training due to the novelty of the discipline pose new challenges for athletes and coaches, while providing a unique opportunity to study the involved aerodynamic and flight mechanics for engineers. The aim of this thesis is to take this opportunity of working with FIV’s Olympic team, and give to it a map of regulations and attitude effect. In order to pursue this goal a 3DOF static model has been implemented which could answer their questions. This necessitated the establishment of geometric and aerodynamic characterisations from a member of the fleet. Subsequently, a non-linear equilibrium equations system was formulated and solved for each condition specified by the FIV’s coaches. Following this, a further investigation was conduced, encompassing 6DOF static and dynamic models and a tool which linearises them. The latter has been crucial to perform the stability analysis and the examination of degrees of freedom coupling. At the end, a controller has been developed with the aim of stabilising unstable modes and enabling the imposition of a new desired attitude. This approach allowed for the simulation of plausible regatta conditions and the assessment of performance and athlete effort.