Estimator Design for Minimizing Vertical Motion of Hydrofoil Craft in Ocean Waves

An Optimization-Based Synthesis Methodology

Master Thesis (2026)
Author(s)

R.J. Ligthart (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Contributor(s)

S.H. Hossein Nia Kani – Mentor (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

J.G. Bruining – Mentor (Flying Fish)

M.A. Zagorowska – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

G.J. Verbiest – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Graduation Date
30-06-2026
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Sponsors
Flying Fish
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

This paper presents an estimator synthesis methodology that uses an optimization approach to construct estimators which minimize the vertical acceleration response of a hydrofoil craft in ocean waves. The optimal estimator structure is identified, and a fundamental tradeoff between reducing wave-following motion and the required strut height is discovered and characterized. The developed methodology is validated through its application to a scale-model hydrofoil ship, resulting in a reduction of up to 70% in vertical acceleration magnitude compared to the ship's original estimator.

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File under embargo until 30-06-2028