User Manual

Maxsurf VPP 2024

23 August 2024
License & Copyright
Maxsurf VPP Program & User Manual
Copyright © 2024 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

iii
Contents
License & Copyright .............................................................................................................................................................................................................iii
Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... v
About this Manual ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Coordinate System ..................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Maxsurf Modeler .......................................................................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2 Using Maxsurf VPP............................................................................................................................................................................................5
Getting Started ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Installing Maxsurf VPP.............................................................................................................................................................................5
Opening a Measurement File ...............................................................................................................................................................5
Entering Data .............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Hull Data .......................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Rig Data .........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Mizzen Data .................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Wind Data .....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Rig sketch .....................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Measurement File ....................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Saving a Measurement File ...................................................................................................................................................................8
Opening a Measurement File ...............................................................................................................................................................8
Measuring a Maxsurf Design ..............................................................................................................................................................................9
Checking the Maxsurf VPP model ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Important notes on Maxsurf VPP Hull measuring .................................................................................................................... 10
Calculating Performance Data ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Results Table ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Polar Graph ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Upright Resistance Graph ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3 Maxsurf VPP Reference ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Windows ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Results/ Performance Data Window .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Polar Graph Window ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Upright Resistance Window............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Toolbars .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
File Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
View Toolbar............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Contour Toolbar ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Window Toolbar ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Menus ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
File Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Bentley Cloud Services Submenu .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Edit Menu .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
View Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Solve Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Display Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Data Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Window Menu ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Help Menu................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference ................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Nomenclature ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Hull Measurement Definitions .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Rig Measurement Definitions............................................................................................................................................................ 23
Results Data Definitions ...................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Index .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

v
About this Manual

About this Manual

This manual describes Maxsurf VPP, an application which may be used to predict the sailing performance of
yachts designed using Maxsurf. The manual is organized into three chapters.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Contains a description of Maxsurf VPP, its use and its interaction with Maxsurf designs.

Chapter 2 Using Maxsurf VPP

Explains how to use Maxsurf VPP's performance prediction VPP to best advantage.

Chapter 3 Maxsurf VPP Reference

Gives details of each of Maxsurf VPP 's windows, toolbars and menu commands.

Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

Contains a list of key words and abbreviations used in this manual and provides a literature list for the
interested reader.

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Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction
Maxsurf VPP (Sailing Performance Analysis) is a program for predicting the performance of sailing yachts in
a variety of wind conditions. Based on the published algorithms for the IMS Velocity Performance Prediction
Program, Maxsurf VPP solves the equations for lift and drag for hull and rig and finds an equilibrium velocity
and angle of heel.

Integrated into Maxsurf VPP is a hull form measuring module that performs the function of the IMS Lines
Processing Program (LPP). This allows the designer to read in a Maxsurf design and automatically perform
the measurements required for input into the performance analysis. Alternatively measurements may be
input directly from an IMS certificate although only a small number of key values are required.

Once a hull and rig have been fully specified the designer may calculate an entire table of performance
values from 6 knots through to 20 knots true wind speed. A variety of true wind angles are used and
performance is calculated with both spinnaker up and spinnaker down.

The output from Maxsurf VPP is in the form of a table of values for each wind strength and wind direction
with results given for apparent wind direction and apparent wind strength, hull velocity, VMG, heel angle and
the various lift and drag forces involved. Velocity data can also be viewed in the form of performance polar
curves.

In general the results from Maxsurf VPP are very close to those produced by the current IMS VPP. The
speeds predicted by Maxsurf VPP tend to be more conservative than those predicted by IMS, usually by
approximately 0.1 knot, however the shape of the polar curves produced by both programs tend to be very
similar.

Maxsurf VPP provides a valuable tool to the yacht designer, both for the estimation of performance during
the design process, as well as the ability to produce polar curves of performance for the yacht owner once
the design is launched.

Coordinate System
All Modules: Body plan, view from behind (stbd side of vessel on right-hand side of screen)
All Modules with the exception of Stability: Plan view from bottom (stbd side of vessel on upper half of
screen); Stability has the Plan view from top (stbd side of vessel on lower half of screen)
All Modules: Profile view from stbd (bow on right-hand side of screen)

Maxsurf Modeler

Longitudinal: +ve forward -ve aft

Transverse: +ve stbd -ve port
Vertical: +ve up -ve down

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Using Span

The zero-point can be defined at any location in the model

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Chapter 2 Using Maxsurf VPP

You have been introduced to the way in which Maxsurf VPP works and can now go on to learn in detail how
to use Maxsurf VPP by following the example outlined in this chapter.

The example uses measurements from a simple yacht hull form:

• Maxsurf VPP Sample_IMSYacht.spd

The corresponding Maxsurf design file is also supplied:

• Maxsurf VPP Sample_IMSYacht.msd

These files may be found in the ‘Sample Designs’ folder.

The following example goes through the steps needed to generate a polar performance curve.

Getting Started
Installing Maxsurf VPP
Install Maxsurf VPP from the CD. Maxsurf VPP may then be started and will display seven windows
containing: Polar performance graph; Results table; Upright resistance graph; and four views of the current
design (if any). These are: Perspective, Plan, Profile and Body Plan.

Opening a Measurement File

Choose Open Measurement Data from the File menu. Select the file titled ‘Maxsurf VPP sample’ and open it.
This file contains the hull and rig measurement data for a simple yacht hull form. When it is read in, the data
may be modified if necessary.

Entering Data
The data to be entered is the measurement data of an IMS certificate. The following data is required:
• Hull Data
• Rig Data
• Mizzen Data
• Wind Data

The data is entered by selecting the appropriate dialog from the Data menu:
Note:

If you are entering data from an existing IMS certificate, you will notice that not all the
measurements listed on the IMS certificate are required, Maxsurf VPP only needs the essential
data.

Hull Data
In the following sections we will show you how to enter the hull data manually. However in most cases, it is
much simpler to have the data measured from a Maxsurf design, this is described in the Measuring a
Maxsurf Design section below. See Hull Measurement Definitions on page 21 for explanation of terms.

Rig Data
See
Rig Measurement Definitions on page 23 for explanation of terms
Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Mizzen Data

NOTE:

Y character denotes a mizzen measurement.

Also see
Rig Measurement Definitions on page 23 for explanation of terms
Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24

Wind Data

The Wind Data dialog is used to define the wind conditions for which you wish to calculate the performance
data. The default values of the dialog are set to those of the IMS VPP.

A maximum of 7 wind velocities may be defined. Two sets of true wind angles may be defined. The first is
the wind angles for which the upwind sail set will be used, and the second the wind angles for which the
downwind sail set will be used. Wind angles must have a minimum spacing of 3 degrees. Upwind sailing
angles may be defined from 35 degrees to 110 degrees and downwind sailing angles may be defined in the
range of 80 degrees to 180 degrees.

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Rig sketch
If a Maxsurf model has been loaded, then a sketch of the rig will also be displayed once the rig parameters
have been entered.

Maxsurf VPP produces a graphical representation of the rig data as specified in the Rig and Mizzen dialogs.
This provides useful visual feedback of the rig parameters specified.

You can display the rig sketch using the -button on the display toolbar.
Profile view
The color of the rig sketch can be set in the colors and lines dialog from the view menu,
by editing the label color. The centre of the lateral projected area of each sail (except the
spinnaker) is displayed with an icon.

Perspective view
The rendering toolbar can be used to switch rendering on/off and adjust light-settings.
See the Maxsurf manual for more information.

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Measurement File
In this section:
• Saving a Measurement File
• Opening a Measurement File

Saving a Measurement File

Once you have entered the required data it is a good idea to save your work. This may be done by selecting
Save Measurement Data from the File menu. This will overwrite the original file. If you wish to save the new
data with a new file name select Save Measurement Data As… from the File menu and type in a new file
name.

Opening a Measurement File

Once you have saved measurement .data, these may be read back into Maxsurf VPP using the File | Open
command. This will read in the rig (and mizzen data), if you do not have a Maxsurf file open in Maxsurf VPP,
the hull data will also be read in automatically. If, however, you have a Maxsurf file open in Maxsurf VPP, you
will be asked if you want to close the design. If you choose “yes”, the hull data will be loaded (as well as the
rig data) and the Maxsurf file closed; if you choose “no” the hull data will not be loaded from the file and you
will be left with the original hull measurements. This is to facilitate analysis of the same hull with different sail
sets, or to perform analysis on a hullform which has been modified.

Prompt when opening a Maxsurf VPP data file (.spd) when a Maxsurf design is already open

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Measuring a Maxsurf Design

If you wish to measure a Maxsurf design, select Open Design from the File menu, and select a design. You
will be presented with a dialog to read or calculate the hull sections. If the design has been used in Stability,
the sections may have already been calculated and may be read from the file, if not they must be calculated;
refer to the Stability manual, section: Opening a New Design, for further details.

Once the design has been read in and the sections calculated, Maxsurf VPP will measure the hull to find the
data required for the VPP. You will be asked whether you wish Maxsurf VPP to search for the values of AGS
and SBMAX (See Hull parameters on page 22 in the Nomenclature for meanings) or you specify these values
at this point. (This may be useful if the design is an IOR type, however this is not essential.) Maxsurf VPP also
requires the position of the VCG - this is important as it affects the calculation of righting moments for the
design and therefore the hull’s stiffness. Note that AGS and SBMAX are measured aft of the bow, and VCG is
measured below the DWL, positive down.

Maxsurf VPP will now measure your design, floating it to several different heel and trim conditions. Once the
measurement is complete you will need to enter values for the rig via the Rig Data dialog, unless they have
been loaded from a previous Maxsurf VPP Measurement file; loading a. Maxsurf VPP Measurement file will
overwrite all data, measuring a Maxsurf design will only overwrite the hull data.

The hull data may be re-measured at any time by selecting Measure Hull from the Data menu.
Note On Hull Input Parameters

Almost all the hull input parameters used by Maxsurf VPP are derived from a number of
hydrostatic calculations with the hull in several conditions and various weighted integral
quantities. These parameters are not simple linear measurements which can be taken directly
from a lines plan. These data can be obtained by using Maxsurf VPP to measure a Maxsurf
design file which includes hull and appendages or from the IMS LPP program or IMS
measurement certificate.

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Note Hull measurements which must be entered manually

There are several hull parameters that Maxsurf VPP is unable to measure from the hull model
and which must be entered manually (these are not reset when the hull is measured):
PIPA Propeller installation projected area
ECMA The vertical difference between board up and board down draft.
Also see
Hull parameters on page 22

Checking the Maxsurf VPP model

Check that the sections have been formed correctly by viewing the design in the Perspective view with the
sections turned on. The immersed sections as well as the girth stations are displayed:

Important notes on Maxsurf VPP Hull measuring

Since Maxsurf VPP can automatically calculate the IMS measurement data directly from the Maxsurf surface
model, it is important to understand the following:

Maxsurf VPP’s automatic identification of the hull surface

Maxsurf VPP assumes that the longest surface in the design is the hull surface, and uses
this surface to determine the fore and aft girth stations (FGS, AGS), the freeboards at
these stations (FF, FA), the station of maximum beam (SBMAX) and the beam at this
station (B). If the longest surface in your design is not the main hull, you will need to save
a copy of your design for use with Maxsurf VPP and remove any longer surfaces from the
design before reading it into Maxsurf VPP; you must also ensure that the main hull is
made up of only one surface. Alternatively, you can specify the AGS, SBMAX positions
and FF, FA and B yourself. (See also note on trimmed surfaces below)
Appendages
It is essential that the Maxsurf design being measured has appendages. If no keel is
included the hull data will not produce reasonable values. It is also essential that the
appendages fulfil the analysis requirements of Stability in that they should form
topologically closed surfaces; i.e. they should not have open tips or open trailing edges.
Trimmed surfaces in Maxsurf
The untrimmed hull surface is used to find AGS, FF, FA, SBMAX and B, so it may be
necessary to specify these yourself if you are using a trimming transom and/or deck
surface. (See also note on appendages above)

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Accuracy
The VPP results can be quite sensitive to hull measurements, so you should use 200
measurement stations under most circumstances. This is especially true if you have a keel
bulb.

Calculating Performance Data

Once all values have been entered, you are ready to proceed with the calculation of performance data. Select
Solve Multiple Angles from the Solve menu. Maxsurf VPP will calculate the performance values for the yacht
and display the results in the Results table and graphs.

Maxsurf VPP will calculate performance for a range of courses at wind strengths of 6,8,10,12,14,16 & 20
knots with the spinnaker up and down.

The data shown in any window can be printed using the Page setup and Print commands from the File menu.
Similarly, data from any window can be copied into the clipboard and pasted into other applications.

Results Table
The Results table contains the numerical values of the data plotted in the Polar Graph. Additional data are
also included:

See Results Data Definitions in the Nomenclature on page 26 for an explanation of the terms and
abbreviations used in the results table.

Polar Graph
The results may also be presented in a polar graph form. This plots the speed of the yacht against the course
for different true wind strengths and sail combinations (spinnaker up or down). The yacht velocity is
represented by a vector from the centre of the graph.

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Chapter 2 Using Span

Polar Plots of all results data are possible, use the Display | Plot Options dialog to select the data to be
plotted. (Note that the graphs are only smoothed where it is sensible to do so.)

Upright Resistance Graph

The curve of upright resistance of the hull, as predicted by Maxsurf VPP can be viewed in the Upright
Resistance window. This does not include the induced resistance due to the appendages generating
sideforce.

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Chapter 3 Maxsurf VPP Reference

This chapter describes the windows, toolbars and menu commands available in Maxsurf VPP.
• Windows
• Toolbars
• Menus

Windows
Maxsurf VPP uses a range of windows.

Results/ Performance Data Window

The Results/Performance Data window display’s a table with the results of the analysis, including: apparent
wind speed and direction, hull speed, VMG, heel angle etc.

Polar Graph Window

The Polar Graph window display’s a polar performance graph of yacht speed versus wind direction for the
different speeds tested.

Upright Resistance Window

The Upright Resistance window display’s a graph of the upright hull resistance against hull speed.

Toolbars
Users of the Windows version of Maxsurf VPP can use the icons on the toolbars to speed up access to some
commonly used functions. You can hold your mouse over an icon to reveal a pop-up tip of what the icon
does.

File Toolbar

The File toolbar contains icons, which execute the following commands:
New Data – Open Design – Save Data | Cut - Copy - Paste | Print Preview

View Toolbar

The View toolbar contains icons that execute the following commands:
Zoom – Shrink – Pan – Home View – Rotate – Assembly window.

The Rotate command is only available in the Perspective window. The Assembly window is not available in
Maxsurf VPP.

Contour Toolbar

The Contours toolbar contains icons, which facilitate the display of surface contours:
Sections – Waterlines – Buttocks – Intersections – Edges

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Window Toolbar

The Window toolbar contains icons, which make the corresponding window come to the front:
Perspective – Plan – Profile – Body Plan – Data Window – Results Window – Graph Window

Menus
Maxsurf VPP uses the standard set of menu commands for File, Edit and Window operations. It also has a
range of menus for inputting the design data, completing the analysis, and control of data and view displays.
• File Menu
• Edit Menu
• View Menu
• Solve Menu
• Display Menu
• Data Menu
• Window Menu

File Menu
The File menu contains commands for opening and saving files, and printing.
Open Design

Maxsurf VPP can measure a Maxsurf design to determine the hull parameters necessary for the VPP
calculations. Select Open Design to open an existing Maxsurf design.
Close Design

Select Close Design when you wish to finish with the current Maxsurf design.
New Measurement Data

Selecting New Measurement Data will delete the existing hull and rig data from memory. New data may then
be entered manually, loaded from a file or measured from a Maxsurf design file.
Open Measurement Data

Maxsurf VPP has the ability to save measurement data to disk and recall them at a later date. By selecting
Open Measurement Data, a dialog box appears with a list of available Maxsurf VPP data files. Select the data
file you wish to recall, click the Open button, and the requested data file will be opened. In Windows, the
Maxsurf VPP data files are given the extension ‘.spd’.
Save Measurement Data

Selecting Save Measurement Data will save the current set of Maxsurf VPP measurements to disk.
Save Measurement Data As

Selecting Save Measurement Data As enables you to save the current set of Maxsurf VPP measurement
under a new name. This is useful if you modify the data, but wish to keep a copy of the old version as well as
the new.
Page Setup

The Page Setup dialog allows you to change page size and orientation for printing.
Print

Choosing the Print function prints out the contents of the uppermost Maxsurf VPP window.

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Chapter 3 Span Reference

Recent File

Opens the last file open in Maxsurf VPP.

Exit

Exit will close down Maxsurf VPP and return you to the Desktop. If Maxsurf VPP has a set of markers or a
surface open that has not been saved to disk, you will be asked whether you wish them to be saved.

Bentley Cloud Services Submenu

Provides access to Bentley Cloud Services resources. You must be logged in with the CONNECTION Centre to
access this functionality.
Associate Project

Register the current file you are working on with a CONNECTED Project.
Disassociate Project

Unregister the current file you are working on from a CONNECTED Project.
ProjectWise Projects

Display the CONNECTED Project in your web browser.

Edit Menu
The Edit menu contains commands for working in the Results window. In addition, graphs or design views
may be copied to the clipboard
Undo

Undo may not be used is Maxsurf VPP at this point.

Cut

Cut may not be used in Maxsurf VPP at this point.

Copy

Copy may be used to copy data from the Results table. It may also be used to copy the contents of one of
the view windows or graph windows into a picture or metafile, which may then be pasted into other
programs.
Paste

Paste may not be used in Maxsurf VPP at this point.

View Menu
The View menu contains commands for changing the way in which the drawing and data windows are
displayed.
Zoom

The Zoom function allows you to examine the contents of the Perspective, Plan, Body Plan or Profile window
in detail by enlarging any particular area to fill the screen.
Shrink

Choosing Shrink will reduce the size of the displayed image in the front window by a factor of two.
Pan

Choosing Pan allows you to move the image around within the front window.

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Chapter 3 Span Reference

Home View

Choosing Home View will set the image back to its Home View size. Maxsurf VPP starts up with default
Home View settings for the view window. However, the Home View may be set at any time by choosing the
Set Home View function.
Set Home View

Choosing Set Home View allows you to set the Home View in the View window.

To set the Home View, use Zoom, Shrink, and Pan to arrange the view as you require, then select Set Home
View from the View menu.
Rotate

Activates the Rotate command, which is a virtual trackball which lets you freely rotate a design in the
Perspective view window.
Colors and Lines

The Colors and Lines function allows you to set the color and thickness of lines and controls displayed in the
view windows. The colors used in the graphs may also be changed. Changes to the default colors will be
saved in the program’s preferences.

Maxsurf VPP will display a list of items that allows you to set any of the items to any color and intensity by
using a color pallet.

To set the color of a given line or set of lines:

• Select Colors and Lines from the View menu.
• Select the line type from the scrollable list.
• Select a color from the color picker.
Font

Font allows you to set the size and style of text used in the windows.
Toolbars

Allows you to select which toolbars are visible, see Toolbar section for more details.
Status Bar

The Status Bar command makes the Status Bar at the bottom of the screen visible. This Status Bar displays
information about the current state of what is being viewed in the window, short descriptions of the
functions of some commands as your mouse passes over them and indicates the state of some control keys.

Solve Menu
The solve menu is used to solve the VPP for the predefined range of true wind speeds and heading angles.
Solve Multiple Angles

Selecting Solve Multiple Angles sets Maxsurf VPP to work solving the VPP for the predefined true wind
speeds and course angles. These are as follows:
True wind speed: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 kts.
True course (upwind, spinnaker 35, 39, 42, 45, 50, 60, 75, 90, 100, 110˚
down):
True course (downwind, spinnaker 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165, 175,
up): 180˚

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Display Menu
The Display menu contains commands for turning on and off items displayed in the graphics windows.
Plot Options

The Plot Options dialog allows you to select which data are plotted on the polar graph.
Contours

The Contours option allows you to select which contours are drawn on the screen at any given time. Any
combination of contours may be chosen from the contours dialog.

See Modeler manual for further details.

Data Menu
The Data menu contains commands for setting the hull and rig parameters used in the VPP.
Hull Data

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the hull.
The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.
Rig Data

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the main
rig: mainsail and jib. The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.
Mizzen Data

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the mizzen
sail. The nomenclature used is that of the IMS.
Wind Data

Use this menu item to open a dialog which will allow you to enter (or edit) the data which defines the wind
conditions for which you wish to calculate the performance data. The default values are set to those of the
IMS VPP.

A maximum of 7 wind velocities may be defined. Two sets of true wind angles may be defined. The first is
the wind angles for which the upwind sail set will be used, and the second the wind angles for which the
downwind sail set will be used. Wind angles must have a minimum spacing of 3 degrees. Upwind sailing
angles may be defined from 35 degrees to 110 degrees and downwind sailing angles may be defined in the
range of 80 degrees to 180 degrees.
Units

A variety of metric and imperial units may be used in Maxsurf VPP. This command gives you a dialog box
where you may choose your preferred units.

Irrespective of the default units specified the Markers window will accept dimensional data in any units. For
Example, if the default units were metres, all of the following input would be accepted and converted
accordingly:

3 (interprets as 3.00 metres)

2.5c 3.25"
33cm 4 inches
328mm 5'4"
650.44mil 11.25feet

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6ft 3.1in 5f5I

Measure Hull

Selecting Generate Measure Hull instructs Maxsurf VPP to calculate the necessary measurements form the
Maxsurf design file. A dialog is presented, and the user may specify AGS and SBMAX or ask Maxsurf VPP to
search for these values. In addition, the VCG must also be specified.

Window Menu
Selecting item in the Window menu brings the appropriate window to the front on the screen.
Cascade

This function stacks up all the currently visible windows into the bounds of the screen in a staggered
arrangement.
Tile Horizontal

Tiles the open windows horizontally within the application window.

Tile Vertical

Tiles the open windows vertically within the application window.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the closed windows within the application window.

Perspective

A perspective view of the hull.

Plan

A plan view of the hull.

Profile

A profile view of the hull.

Body Plan

A body plan view of the hull.

Results / Performance Data

Display’s a table with the results of the analysis including: apparent wind speed and direction, hull speed,
VMG, heel angle etc.
Polar Graph

Display’s a polar performance graph of yacht speed versus wind direction for the different speeds tested.
Upright Resistance

Display’s a graph of the upright hull resistance against hull speed.

Help Menu
Provides access to VPP help and other resources.
VPP Help

Display the VPP help manual.

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VPP Automation Reference

Display the VPP Automation reference help manual.

Online Support

Provides access to a wide range of support resources available on the internet. You must have internet
access to access this functionality.
Service Request Manager

Submit and manage your technical support requests with Bentley Systems. You must have internet access to
access this functionality.
CONNECTION Centre

Display your personal CONNECTION Centre web portal in your web browser.
License wiki

Web portal for help on Bentley licensing.

Online Support

Provides access to a wide range of support resources available on the internet. You must have internet
access to access this functionality.
Service Request Manager

Submit and manage your technical support requests with Bentley Systems. You must have internet access to
access this functionality.
Idea Feedback

Access the web portal for submitting feedback and suggestions relating to VPP.
Licensing Feedback

Access the web portal for submitting feedback and suggestions relating to Bentley licensing.
Check for Updates

Provides access to our website with the most recent version listed. You must have internet access to access
this functionality.
News

Display the Bentley Systems Offshore news feed. You must have internet access to access this functionality.
Legal Notice

Display the Bentley Systems Legal Notice.

About VPP

Displays information about the current version of VPP you are using and other diagnostic information. Use
this to obtain version and diagnostic information when reporting a problem to the Support Staff at Bentley
Systems, Incorporated.

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Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

This chapter contains a list of key words and abbreviations used in this manual and provides a literature list
for the interested reader.
• Nomenclature
• Bibliography

Nomenclature
This nomenclature describes the key words and abbreviations used in this manual.
IMS
International Measurement System.

VPP
Velocity Prediction Program. A computer program which (normally) balances the sail
thrust against the hull drag; the sail sideforce against the appendage sideforce and the
heeling moment against the hull and crew righting moment in order to predict the yacht
speed for a given true wind speed and course. These results are normally presented in a
series of polar graphs.

In this section:
• Hull Measurement Definitions
• Rig Measurement Definitions
• Results Data Definitions

Hull Measurement Definitions

Maxsurf VPP uses the IMS nomenclature for its measurements. All measurements are taken from the position
of the headstay base. Since Maxsurf VPP does not take yaw wind moments into account, the position to the
headstay is irrelevant for the performance prediction. Also see: Rig Measurement Definitions on page 23 for
more information on the position of the headstay.

For a more detailed discussion of the hull parameters calculated by Maxsurf VPP, interested readers are
referred to: (A)IMS – an Almost Ideal Measurement System, by David Pedrick, presented at Yacht Vision '94,
Auckland, New Zealand, 16-20 Feb. 1994.

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Back to Entering Data

Hull parameters
AGS Aft girth station
DWL Design waterline
FGS Forward girth station
SBMAX Longitudinal position of maximum hull
beam.
VCG Vertical centre of gravity

Freeboards

FFM Freeboard (Vertical distance from the water

to the sheerline) at the forward freeboard
measurement station.
FAM Freeboard at the aft freeboard
measurement station.

Righting Moments per Degree

Righting Moments Righting moment at heel angles of 2, 20

per degree and 40 degrees divided by the heel angle in
RM2 / RM20 / RM40 degrees.

Measurement Trim

MBMX Maximum beam at sheerline

PIPA Propeller Installation Projection Area
represents the equivalent flat plate area of
the prop installation used to calculate its
drag at various speeds.

Sailing Trim

AMS1 Depth attenuated maximum sectional area.

Used to calculate the effect of the hull on
the keels ability to generate lift.
BTR An adjusted beam to depth ratio. A
Page 22
Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

measure of the fineness of the hull which

has an effect on added resistance due to
heeling.
DHKA Loaded draft; somewhat deeper than
measurement draft.
ECMA The vertical difference between board up
and board down draft.
D The draft adjusted for hull / keel interaction
and end-plate effects and derived from B,
below.
B An integrated value of hull width, using a
"second moment" approach and a depth
attenuation factor.
WS Wetted surface area of the hull and
appendages.
DISP Displacement in sailing trim

2nd Moment Lengths

L/LSM1/LSM3 Effective hull lengths of the yacht under

different conditions of displacement and
heel. These values are derived from the
sectional area curve. L is the effective sailing
length used to calculate the hull resistance.

Crew Weight Limit

CW Maximum crew weight

Rig Measurement Definitions

All rig positions are relative to the base of the headstay. The longitudinal position of the headstay base is
fixed at the FGS position. See Hull parameters on page 22.

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Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

MGU

MGM SMW

YSD
SL

PYC

YSMG P
G
SPL

E LP
EYC
BAS
EB
BASY YSF J

HBIY HBI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Figure 1, Rig data parameters

Back to Entering Data

Foretriangle Definitions

I Height from the sheerline to the top of the

foretriangle.
J Distance from the headstay base to the front of
the mast.
LP Jib clew to the luff taken perpendicular to the luff.

Page 24
Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

SPL Spinnaker pole length

SL Spinnaker luff length
SMW Spinnaker maximum width

Also see:
Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24
Mainsail Definitions

P Mainsail luff length from lower to upper

band on the mast.
E Mainsail foot length from the mast to the
boom band.
PC/EC The IOR "corrected" vales of P and C
MGU/MGM The upper and middle girth dimensions of
the mainsail.
BAS Height of the lower mainsail luff band
above the sheerline.

Also see:
Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24
Mast Definitions

MDT 1/MDL 1 Athwartships measurement and fore and aft

dimension of the mast near the deck (Below
any taper).
MDT 2/MDL 2 The same measurements as above taken at
the upper mainsail band. If there is no mast
taper, the upper and lower dimensions will
match and the TL will be zero.
HBI Freeboard at the base of the mast.
TL Taper length of the mast

Also see:
Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24
Mizzen Definitions

EB Distance between the aft side of the

forward mast and the forward side of the
aft mast
YSD Aft luff of mizzen foresail
YSF Bottom luff of mizzen foresail
YSMG YSMG is mizzen foresail mid girth measured
horizontally
PYC Mizzen mainsail luff length from lower to
upper band on the mast.
EYC Mizzen mainsail foot length from the mast
to the boom band.

All mizzenmast definitions (ending in “Y”) are identical to the main mast definitions.
Also see: Figure 1, Rig data parameters on page 24.
Page 25
Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

Results Data Definitions

VTW True wind speed
Beta (β) TW Course relative to true wind
Spinnaker Whether the spinnaker is set (up) or not (down)
VAW Apparent wind strength
Beta (β) AW Apparent wind direction
Hull Speed Speed of yacht
VMG Velocity made good to windward (+ve) leeward (-ve)
Heel Angle Equilibrium heel angle of yacht
Fwd Force Drive force produced by sails
Sideforce Side force produced by sails
Reef IMS Reef parameter, a value of less that 1.00 indicates that the
optimum sail size is less than the total available sail area.
Flat IMS Flat parameter, a value of less than 1.00 indicates that sail
coefficients, less than the maximum available, are optimum.
Form Drag Main drag of hull and appendages
Ind. Drag Induced drag of appendages
Aero Heel Moment Heeling moment due to sails
Hydro Heel Heeling moment due to appendages
Moment
Hull Right Moment Righting moment due to hull weight
Crew Right Righting moment due to crew weight
Moment
Force Err The VPP algorithm balances the forward drive force against
the hull drag. After the maximum number of iterations, any
error is given here.
Moment Err As above but for the heeling/righting moment balance.

Back to Results Table.

Bibliography
The interested reader may enjoy the following articles which describe some of the concepts behind Maxsurf
VPP and velocity prediction programs in general.

Gerritsma, J., Keuning, J.A. and Onnink, R. “The Delft Systematic Series II experiments”, International Ship
Building Progress, vol 28, no 328. 1981.

Gerritsma, J., Onnink, R. and Versluis, A. “Geometry, resistance and stability of the Delft Systematic Yacht Hull
Series”, 10th Chesapeake Sailing Yacht Symposium, Annapolis. 1991.

Hazen, G.S. “A model of sail aerodynamics for diverse rig types”, New England Sailing Yacht Symposium.
1980.

Kerwin, J.E. “A velocity Prediction Program for Ocean Racing Yachts”, SNAME New England Sailing Yacht
Symposium. Connecticut U.S.A. 1976.

Kerwin, J.E. “A velocity Prediction Program for Ocean Racing Yachts, revised to June 1978”, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology report no. 78-11. 1978.

Page 26
Chapter 4 Theoretical Reference

Keuning, J.A., Sonnenberg, U.B. “Developments in the Velocity Prediction Based on the DELFT Systematic
Yacht Hull Series”, RINA Modern Yacht Conference, Portsmouth. 1998.

Pedric, D. “(A)IMS – an Almost Ideal Measurement System” Yacht Vision ’94, Auckland, New Zealand. 1994.

Philpot, A.B. , “Developments in VPP Capabilities” Yacht Vision ’94, Auckland, New Zealand. 1994.

Poor, C.L. “VPP Algorithm description” Appendix to Description of IMS VPP and LPP Algorithms. IMS. 1986.

Index
DHKA .................................................................................... 23
2
Disassociate Project ........................................................ 15
2nd Moment Lengths .................................................... 23 DISP ....................................................................................... 23
A Display Menu ..................................................................... 17
Drag, Form .......................................................................... 26
About .................................................................................... 19 Drag, Induced .................................................................... 26
Accuracy .............................................................................. 11 DWL ...................................................................................... 22
AGS ............................................................................ 9, 10, 22
AMS1 .................................................................................... 22 E
Appendages ....................................................................... 10 E 25
Arrange Icons .................................................................... 18 EB25
Associate Project .............................................................. 15 EC ........................................................................................... 25
Automation Reference................................................... 19 ECMA ............................................................................. 10, 23
B Edit Menu ............................................................................ 15
Entering Data ........................................................................5
B 10, 23 Error, Force ......................................................................... 26
BAS ........................................................................................ 25 Error, Moment ................................................................... 26
Bentley Cloud Services .................................................. 15 Exit.......................................................................................... 15
Beta AW ............................................................................... 26 EYC ......................................................................................... 25
Beta TW ............................................................................... 26
Body Plan ............................................................................ 18 F
BTR ........................................................................................ 22 FA ........................................................................................... 10
C FAM ....................................................................................... 22
Feedback, Ideas ................................................................ 19
Cascade ............................................................................... 18 Feedback, Licensing ........................................................ 19
Check for Updates ........................................................... 19 FF 10
Close Design ...................................................................... 14 FFM ........................................................................................ 22
Color ..................................................................................... 16 FGS .................................................................................. 10, 22
CONNECTION Centre .................................................... 19 File Menu ............................................................................. 14
Contour Toolbar ............................................................... 13 File Toolbar ......................................................................... 13
Contours .............................................................................. 17 Flat ......................................................................................... 26
Copy ...................................................................................... 15 Font........................................................................................ 16
Course angles .................................................................... 16 Foretriangle Definitions ................................................. 24
Crew Weight Limit ........................................................... 23 Forward Force .................................................................... 26
Cut ......................................................................................... 15 Freeboards .......................................................................... 22
CW ......................................................................................... 23
G
D
Getting Started.....................................................................5
D 23
Data Menu .......................................................................... 17

Page 27
Index

H N
HBI ......................................................................................... 25 New Measurement Data ............................................... 14
Heel Angle .......................................................................... 26 News ..................................................................................... 19
Heeling Moment, Aero .................................................. 26 Nomenclature .................................................................... 21
Heeling Moment, Hydro ............................................... 26 Notation............................................................................... 21
Help ....................................................................................... 18
O
Help Menu .......................................................................... 18
Home View ......................................................................... 16 Online Support .................................................................. 19
Hull Data .........................................................................5, 17 Open Design... ................................................................... 14
Hull Input Parameters ....................................................... 9 Open Measurement Data ............................................. 14
Hull Measurement Definitions ................................... 21 Opening a Measurement File .........................................5
Hull parameters ................................................................ 22 P
required values ............................................................ 10
Hull Speed .......................................................................... 26 P 25
Hull surface ........................................................................ 10 Page Setup.......................................................................... 14
Pan ......................................................................................... 15
I Paste ...................................................................................... 15
I 24 PC ........................................................................................... 25
IMS ........................................................................................ 21 Performance Data ............................................................ 18
Performance Data, Calculating ................................... 11
J
Perspective ......................................................................... 18
J 24 PIPA ................................................................................ 10, 22
Plan ........................................................................................ 18
L
Plot Options ................................................................ 12, 17
L 23 Polar Graph.................................................................. 11, 18
Legal Notice ....................................................................... 19 Print ....................................................................................... 14
License wiki ........................................................................ 19 Profile .................................................................................... 18
LP 24 ProjectWise Projects ....................................................... 15
LSM1 ..................................................................................... 23 PYC ......................................................................................... 25
LSM3 ..................................................................................... 23
R
M
Reccent File ........................................................................ 15
Mainsail Definitions ........................................................ 25 Reef ........................................................................................ 26
Mast Definitions ............................................................... 25 Results Data Definitions ................................................ 26
MBMX................................................................................... 22 Results Table ...................................................................... 11
MDL 1 ................................................................................... 25 Rig Data .......................................................................... 5, 17
MDL 2 ................................................................................... 25 Rig Measurement Definitions ..................................... 23
MDT 1 ................................................................................... 25 Rig Sketch ..............................................................................7
MDT 2 ................................................................................... 25 Righting moment per degree ..................................... 22
Measure Hull ..................................................................... 18 Righting Moment, Crew ................................................ 26
Measurement File ............................................................... 8 Righting Moment, Hull .................................................. 26
Measurement File, opening ............................................ 8 Righting Moments per Degree ................................... 22
Measurement File, saving ................................................ 8 RM2 ....................................................................................... 22
Measurement Trim .......................................................... 22 RM20 ..................................................................................... 22
Measuring a Maxsurf Design ......................................... 9 RM40 ..................................................................................... 22
Menus................................................................................... 14 Rotate ................................................................................... 16
MGM ..................................................................................... 25
S
MGU ...................................................................................... 25
Mizzen Data ...................................................................6, 17 Sailing Trim ......................................................................... 22
Mizzen Definitions........................................................... 25 Save Measurement Data ............................................... 14
Model, checking ............................................................... 10 Save Measurement Data As… ..................................... 14
SBMAX ...................................................................... 9, 10, 22
Page 28
Index

Service Request Manager ............................................. 19 VCG ................................................................................... 9, 22

Set Home View ................................................................. 16 Versions, coordinate system ...........................................3
Shrink.................................................................................... 15 View Menu .......................................................................... 15
Sideforce ............................................................................. 26 View Toolbar ...................................................................... 13
SL 25 VMG ...................................................................................... 26
SMW ..................................................................................... 25 VPP......................................................................................... 21
Solve Menu ........................................................................ 16
W
Solve Multiple Angles .................................................... 16
Spinnaker ............................................................................ 26 Wind Data ........................................................................... 17
SPL ......................................................................................... 25 Wind settings ........................................................................6
Status Bar ............................................................................ 16 Wind speeds ...................................................................... 16
Surfaces, trimmed ............................................................ 10 Window Menu ................................................................... 18
Window Toolbar ............................................................... 14
T
Windows .............................................................................. 13
Tile Horizontal ................................................................... 18 WS .......................................................................................... 23
Tile Vertical ......................................................................... 18
Y
TL 25
Toolbars ........................................................................ 13, 16 YSD ........................................................................................ 25
YSF ......................................................................................... 25
U
YSMG .................................................................................... 25
Undo ..................................................................................... 15
Z
Units ...................................................................................... 17
Upright Resistance .......................................................... 18 Zoom ..................................................................................... 15
Upright Resistance Graph ............................................ 12 Β
V β AW...................................................................................... 26
V TW ..................................................................................... 26 β TW ...................................................................................... 26
VAW ...................................................................................... 26

Page 29