Robert Latorre

Dr. Latorre’s research has focused on the hydrodynamics and structural design of 30-50 knot large passenger/cargo vessels. At the International Conference FAST 2003 held in Ischia (Naples) Italy Oct. 2003, Dr. Latorre moderated the hydrodynamics session and in the design session presented a paper on the design of a 40 kt cargo carrying trimaran utilizing micro-bubble drag reduction on the side hulls. This design is based on a patented idea developed by Dr. Latorre and his colleague Richard Philips at the US Navy Underwater Warfare Center in Newport Rhode Island. He also has published articles on microbubble drag reduction on a model SES in Ocean Engineering as well as drag reduction from using self polishing hull coatings in the Journal of Naval Engineers.

These R&D projects have been organized into a 3 credit NAME 4177 elective course Advanced Marine Vehicle Design. NAME 4177 includes a review of 40-60 kt cargo/passenger catamarans, trimaran, pentamaran and surface effect ship designs as well as a team design project.

Professor Latorre has also been studying the hydrodynamics of non-streamlined, box forms used for offshore structures and amphibious vehicles. At higher speeds these vessels experience bow sinkage and increased resistance. Professor Latorre received a U.S. patent No. 6,769,373.BI Aug. 6, 2004 for a bow plate that reduces barge and box shaped vessel drag and bow sinkage. This was granted on the basis of UNO towing tank tests of a 1/4-scale model of an amphibious personnel carrier M113 performed under College of Engineering sponsorship. The tank tests showed the bow plate reduced bow sinkage and achieved a 10-15% drag reduction at operating speeds.

Dr. Latorre has also been working on fishing vessel engine emissions and fuel cells. Dr. Latorre submitted a successful proposal for Marine Engineering test engine to upgrade the NAME 3130 marine engineering laboratory. As part of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Small Craft Committee, Dr. Latorre assisted in organizing the SNAME Small Craft CD released in 2004.