37th American´s cup monitoring

American Magic, 37th America’s Cup Challenger — Foil Load, Deflection and Hydrodynamic Pressure Monitoring

Inalia collaborated with the American Magic AC37 campaign on structural monitoring of foil systems, from AC40 development foils through to the AC75 race configuration.

Need

Measure loads and deflections across successive foil versions to gather field data on structural behaviour and performance.

Support foil development decisions with real operational data throughout the campaign.

Challenges

Measurement accuracy

Sensor integration without compromising foil structural integrity or hydrodynamic profile.

Wire layout routing definition and integration within the foil structure.

Simultaneous measurement of wing bending and torsion.

Durability under high-cycle racing conditions.

Solution

Monitoring strategy defined with FEM analysis to determine optimal sensor locations and assess measurement sensitivities.

Wire layout design integrated within the foil structure.

Sensor environmental protection and sealing specification for wet, high-load conditions.

Requirements definition and installation supervision for sensor fitting across foil versions.

Calibration programme covering multiple foil configurations.

Maximum stress thresholds defined and linked directly to field measurements.

Following the results of the foil monitoring programme, American Magic extended the collaboration to mast and foil arm structural monitoring.