Automated multiphase CFD simulations for evaluating the fluid dynamic performance of surfboards with varying tail rocker profiles

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024)

Traditionally, surfboard design has been guided by the intuition of surfboard shapers, who either tested their creations in the water or relied on feedback from professional surfers. This artisanal approach, while steeped in tradition, lacks scientific precision. Recognizing the need for a more systematic approach, we propose an automated workflow using multiphase CFD simulations. These simulations enable us to study the fluid dynamics around surfboards, offering a scientific perspective on their hydrodynamic performance. This paper presents a preliminary comparison of CFD simulation results for three surfboard designs with varying tail rocker profiles. The rocker of a surfboard is the curvature of the bottom part of the profile of the board, measured from the tail to the nose. As a general guideline, boards with lower tail rockers are expected to have less resistance and generate more lift, leading to higher speed but less manoeuvrability. We show how different tail rocker profiles impact essential performance metrics, such as lift, drag, and pressure coefficient. We also aim to demonstrate how a more data-driven approach can give additional insight into the performance and potentially improve surfboard design.