Optimizing Sensitive Weight Configurations on a Fast-Planing Vessel to Reduce Drag

In the realm of high-speed planing crafts, characterized by their diminutive size, an acute sensitivity to variations in weight and center of gravity is observed. This investigation delves into the consequential influence of alterations in weight and center of gravity on the resistance encountered by these crafts. The primary goal is to scrutinize a methodology aimed at optimizing weight and center of gravity for small, high-speed planing crafts, with the explicit aim of minimizing drag and amplifying overall performance. It is revealed that fluctuations in weight and center of gravity exert a substantial impact on the craft's resistance. The study adopts an integrated approach, incorporating Design of Experiment (DOE), Response Surface Method (RSM), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Systematic adjustments to weight and center of gravity induce discernible effects on sinkage and hull trim, yielding distinctive resistance values. Empirical findings highlight that a marginal backward shift in the center of gravity, constituting approximately 1% of the vessel's length, culminates in a nearly 5% reduction in drag. However, immoderate backward or forward shifts precipitate an undesirable increase in resistance. This research underscores the versatility of the combined methodology in optimizing the center of gravity across diverse hulls or scenarios, with broader implications for enhancing the performance of high-speed planing crafts across varied contexts.