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Sail aerodynamics: Understanding pressure distributions on upwind sails

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ignazio Maria Viola

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Abstract

The pressure distributions on upwind sails is discussed and related to the flow field around the headsail and the mast/mainsail. Pressures measured on several horizontal sections of model-scale and full-scale sails are used to provide examples. On the leeward side of the sails, leading edge separation and turbulent reattachment occurs, sometimes followed by trailing edge separation. On the windward side, leading edge separation occurs on the mast/mainsail and, at low angles of attack, it can also occur on the headsail. Differences were found between the leading edge bubbles on the two sails. Pressure trends for different angles of attack are presented, and these can be explained in terms of standard aerodynamic theory, particularly in terms of short and long leading edge separation bubble types. It was found that the pressure distributions measured on mainsails at full- and model-scale showed good agreement on both the windward and leeward sides.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Viola IM, Flay RGJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

Year: 2011

Volume: 35

Issue: 8

Pages: 1497-1504

Print publication date: 01/11/2011

ISSN (print): 0894-1777

ISSN (electronic): 1879-2286

Publisher: Elsevier Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2011.06.009

DOI: 10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2011.06.009

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