Experimental assessment of mega-yacht aerodynamic performances and characteristics

Larger main dimensions, superior comfort requests and higher manoeuvrability characteristics focus mega-yacht designer attention towards hull and superstructure aerodynamic performances. Windage evaluation of very high superstructure, aerodynamic load assessment, and accurate air flow simulation are considered very important in the design procedure to get optimal layout and opening position. Moreover they are used to precisely evaluate thrusters and Dynamic Positioning Systems horsepower. The lack of data concerning the peculiar mega-yacht forms and the result requested accuracy lead to set up scale model wind tunnel tests. They are asked more and more frequently by designer and surveyors and considered a fundamental reference for any further CFD simulation. In this paper experimental methodologies developed at Politecnico di Milano Wind Tunnel in order to assess mega-yacht aerodynamics in terms of aerodynamic loads, comfort analysis, pollutants dilution and re-ingestion analysis using wind tunnel tests are described. © 2013: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.