Trans-cavitating hydrofoils for high-performance sailing

About the research project

A rapid revolution in the design of high-performance sailing crafts from classical monohull through multihull to hydrofoil-borne has led to an unprecedented increase in achievable speeds in a wide range of conditions. Despite the improvements, cavitation onset and related deleterious effects on the hydrofoil performance, has remained an unsurmountable obstacle in reaching speeds beyond the 50 knot ‘cavitation’ barrier. To delay cavitation onset, typical state-of-the-art designs are utilizing optimised high-aspect-ratio sub-cavitating hydrofoils with thin sectional profiles, however, only modest improvements in maximum speed have been achieved.  

To take sailing past the cavitation barrier, hydrofoil concepts utilizing super-cavitating sections may be utilized. Transition from the sub- to super-cavitating flow regime is generally a violent process resulting in loss of lift, high unsteady structural loads and significant decrease in hydrofoil efficiency. Sailing boats have limited available power, and thus hydrofoils are unable to transition to super-cavitating flow regime naturally. An alternative approach that may be used to bypass these limits is to promote a controlled, smooth, transition to super-cavitation through the introduction of ventilated air at lower speeds. A unique concept where this approach has been successfully proven is the current world speed sailing record craft ‘Vestas Sailrocket 2’, which achieved an average speed of 65.45 knots over a 500-metre run (68.01 knots peak).

Within this project an experimental and numerical programme will be developed to investigate novel hydrofoil concepts, optimising transition between sub- and super-cavitating flow regimes in the high-performance sailing context. The use of air ventilation as a mechanism for a controlled, smooth, transition will be studied experimentally in a cavitation tunnel at the Australian Maritime College Cavitation Research Laboratory, a worldwide unique and the most advanced facility for experimental work involving air ventilation. The underlying physics of establishing and maintaining an air-filled super-cavity at low speeds and transition to a vaporous super-cavity at high speeds will be investigated. In addition, numerical models will be utilized for rapid optimisation of hydrofoil sections and development of operational procedures enabling efficient transition to super-cavitating flow regime. The results of this project will provide a rigorous dataset on the novel trans-cavitating hydrofoil concepts enabling their wider implementation in the future high-performance sailing applications.

The project is well suited to candidates with a strong interest in fluid dynamics, experimental and numerical methods, and sailing enthusiasm.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor James Venning

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Australian citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a personal security clearance of Baseline

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or science with First Class Honours or equivalent

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor James Venning to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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