Lifting coefficient prediction of flap rudder using BP neural network

BP neural network is applied in the lifting coefficient prediction of flap rudder. The non-linear approaching ability of BP neural network is analyzed. The variable learning rate of BP algorithm is adopted to mend the drawbacks that are common for BP neural network in training, for example, low learning rate, easy to get into the local minimum points. The lifting coefficient of flap rudder is predicted, the result shows that, compared with the value calculated by approximate formula, the value predicted by neural network has higher precision. So it is feasible to adopt BP neural network to predict the hydrodynamic performance of flap rudder, and it can also satisfy the need of engineering application.