Sail optimisation for maximal speed

Alexander Day

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A variety of approaches to sail optimisation are reviewed. A mathematical model is described which allows the optimisation of the spanwise lift distribution of a high speed craft with a criterion of maximal offwind speed. The model uses a numerical lifting line approach to predict the aerodynamic forces and moments allied to an empirical model of the hydrodynamic forces. A further model is presented which yields the optimal sailplan for a yacht based on a criterion of maximal speed made good to windward; this may be calculated either for a single windspeed, or in an averaged sense for a selection of different windspeeds. The vortex lattice method is used to predict aerodynamic forces and moments, whilst the hydrodynamic forces and moments are estimated using a performance prediction approach based on data from the Delft systematic yacht hull series. Three variations in rig type are considered: a basic sloop rig, a sloop rig with a roached mainsail, and a ketch rig. In both models the optimisation is carried out using a genetic algorithm. Typical results are presented, and scope for future work is discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-154
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics
Volume63
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1996

Keywords

  • sail
  • optimisation
  • maximal speed
  • wind engineering
  • industrial aerodynamics
  • offwind speed

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