With Larry Knauer leading the design, WindRider has also recruited two students from the University of New Orleans School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering to work on the RAVE V project. These students are working on doing the finite load analyses, SolidWorks modeling and other aspects of the engineering side.
We are excited to introduce Tom Cusumano a graduate student working on his Masters of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Here is a bit from his resume:
Tom Cusumano
Lead Hydrodynamic and Aerodynamic Foil Design
WindRider Rave V Project, Minneapolis, MN (working remotely)
- Approached by innovative sailboat design company to incorporate thesis work into new concept Rave V sailboat foiling trimaran design, now moving towards prototype testing.
- Using thesis research in the design of a foil system that will allow the trimaran to foil in lighter winds, with a higher payload than traditional foiling craft while still maintaining high top speeds and exceptional maneuverability.
- Incorporating super critical foil shapes as well as non-planar foils into foil system to improve performance at high Reynold's numbers.
- Working with a team to integrate the foil system into the boat’s hull structure and maneuvering and propulsion systems to create a high performance craft that can be handled by people of varying skill levels and is more accessible than traditional foiling craft.
Graduate Engineering Intern
MiNO Marine, New Orleans, LA
- Assist in all aspects of new liftboat design.
- Use knowledge of SOLAS, USCG, ABS, and other agencies to assure compliance with relevant design Criteria.
- Use knowledge of AutoCAD, Rhino, and other software to provide quality assurance checks for both functional layouts and final drawings.
- Ensure that overseas shipyard vendor specifications during the build process meet contract design specifications.
- Use first principle analysis in the design of the ship, and ships auxiliary systems/outfitting.
Engineering Intern
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, MD
- Participated in research under the guidance of a laboratory research mentor at the Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD).
- Investigated structure design for a trimaran small combatant warship.
- Conducted weight/cost tradeoff study for titanium vs steel construction and total ownership cost (TOC) of the trimaran small combatant.
- Worked with a team to develop a rapid modeling tool for concept level weight estimation and material comparison for non-traditional ships (catamarans, trimarans, SWATH, SWATCH, etc.)
- Submitted paper based on work to Naval Engineering Journal: “Rapid Structures Modeling Tool for Future Ship Concepts and Material Comparison”.
Engineering Intern
Elliott Bay Design Group, Seattle, WA
- Worked with engineers and architects on a variety of projects in different phases of completion from concept to detail design.
- Projects included LNG lightering barges, floating bridge pontoons, fishing vessels, tugboats, Washington State ferries, and more.
- Performed incline tests, deadweight surveys, and ship checks on fishing vessels and ferries.
- Wrote official reports submitted to various agencies including USCG MSC and Washington State agencies.
- Crew, maintenance, repairs, and shipyard services for several San Francisco Bay Area sail charter companies.
- Offshore experience delivering private yachts between US and Mexican ports during the winter months.
- Taught sailing lessons for a San Francisco sailing school.
The second student working on the RAVE V project is Jacob Simon, an undergraduate at UNO. Here are some excerpts from his resume.
Jacob Simon
Naval Architecture Intern
Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center,
- Did preliminary design study on integrating high energy systems on a ship
- Did CAD drawing with Rhino and DraftSight
- Did calculations for stability, floodable length, speed, endurance, range, sea keeping, and more
- Researched and selected machinery
- Wrote reports
Welder
Hot Stuff Welding
- Started own welding business fabricating and repairing fences and gates
- Operated MIG, stick welding equipment, and cutting tools such as grinders and saws
- Designed iron fences and gates, then often produced drawing of designs for customers
- Generated cost estimates for clients
Teacher's Assistant
Pasadena City College
- Taught gas, TIG, and SMAW welding technique, and helped keep lab clean
Draftsman
Liz Herron Architect
- Did CAD drawing, including creation, and editing of standard detail drawings, and making changes for plan check
- Used Auto CAD, Solid Works, and SketchUp to produce drawings, and 3D models
WindRider is excited to be working with these students to develop a unique foiling trimaran that is easy to sail, easy to launch and tons of fun on the water.