At the Webb Institute, I teamed up with Casey Brown for our award-winning thesis, “A Fluid Structure Interaction Analysis of Vertical-Lift-Producing Daggerboards,” under the guidance of Dr. Adrian Onas. This project dove into the steady-state fluid-structure interactions of high-performance sailing hydrofoils, focusing on a CV-style daggerboard akin to those used in the 2017 America’s Cup AC50s. Using StarCCM+ for multi-physics simulations, we compared the performance of deformed and undeformed foils, revealing significant differences at speeds of 30 knots and above—proving the critical value of FSI studies. Our work explored how horizontal wing elements on daggerboards generate vertical lift, reduce displacement, and enhance heave stability, revolutionizing yacht design. Honored with the 1st Prize at the 2016 International Hydrofoil Society Mandles Prize, this thesis sparked my passion for innovative marine engineering. Explore this page to dive deeper into the research that shaped my career.
