We’re thrilled to announce that Xi Engineering Consultants has been named the official data partner for the ambitious ThrustWSH project, led by legendary speed pioneer Richard Noble OBE. This ground-breaking initiative aims to shatter the long-standing water speed record, a feat that has captivated the engineering world for decades. The current record of 317.6 mph (511 km/h) has stood since 1978, but ThrustWSH is set to break this barrier with state-of-the-art hydrofoil technology.
ThrustWSH and Xi Engineering: Consultants Advancing Water Speed Innovation
The ThrustWSH project continues the legacy of Noble’s previous ventures, such as the world-famous Thrust2 and ThrustSSC, which pushed land speed records beyond 700 mph. Now, ThrustWSH, in collaboration with select partners like Xi Engineering, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on water. The goal is to not only set a new benchmark for water speed, but also to drive engineering innovation and inspire future generations.
Breaking Records with Hydrofoil Innovation
This project is about more than just speed; it’s about technological innovation. The boat will feature supercavitating hydrofoils, which lift the craft out of the water, reducing drag and enabling unprecedented speeds. Xi Engineering Consultants is proud to play a pivotal role by providing cutting-edge measurement solutions and advanced data analysis systems. By drawing from our expertise in data acquisition, simulation, and optimization, we support ThrustWSH in achieving its ambitious goals.
How Xi Engineering Consultants Is De-Risking This Ambitious Challenge
Attempting to break the water speed record comes with significant risks, but Xi Engineering Consultants is dedicated to making the process as safe as possible. Our custom measurement systems and environmental monitoring tools provide critical real-time data to inform every decision made during testing. By precisely tracking performance metrics and environmental factors like wave height and wind speed, we help the ThrustWSH team mitigate risks and ensure the operation runs safely. Furthermore, our expertise in vibration analysis and structural health monitoring ensures that the boat’s design can withstand extreme forces, improving safety during record-breaking runs.
Our Key Contributions
On-Board Measurement System: We’ve developed a sophisticated system for the C3.2B test boat, equipped with over 100 data channels. This system measures key parameters such as acceleration, strain, pressure, temperature, and RPM, providing crucial insights to optimize the full-scale version.
Custom Shear Measuring Pins: Our shear pins, embedded with strain gauges, monitor the forces acting on the boat’s hydrofoils. This data validates our models and ensures that the hydrofoils perform efficiently under extreme conditions..
Environmental Monitoring: We track environmental factors, including wave height, wind speed, and direction, to guarantee that test runs occur under optimal and safe conditions.
Collaborations with Leading Suppliers: We partner with industry leaders such as PCB Piezotronics and Dewesoft to equip the project with the best sensors and equipment, ensuring we gather the highest quality data.
More Than a Record: Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM
Breaking the water speed record is just one part of the ThrustWSH project’s mission. It is also about inspiring the next generation of engineers through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. By showcasing the latest engineering innovations, this project highlights the power of bold ideas combined with technical expertise. Xi Engineering Consultants is proud to play a key role in this initiative, demonstrating how we push technological boundaries while encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Meet Us at the Scottish Engineering Show 2024
We’re excited to exhibit alongside ThrustWSH at the Scottish Engineering Show on October 23-24, 2024, where we will showcase our contributions to this record-breaking project. If you’re attending, be sure to visit our stand to learn more about how Xi Engineering is advancing high-speed watercraft design, mitigating risk, and supporting the next generation of engineers through our pioneering work.
For more details, visit our website and explore how Xi Engineering Consultants can help your business reach new heights. Visit our services page to learn more about how we specialise in vibration analysis, data acquisition, environmental monitoring, and more. Our team provides tailored, cutting-edge services to solve and de-risk complex engineering challenges.
