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Towards an optimum yacht sail

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2006

C. J. Wood  and
S. H. Tan
C. J. Wood
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
S. H. Tan
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
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Abstract

This paper contains a simple and entirely conventional application of lifting-line theory to a close-hauled, high aspect ratio sail, set upright on a flat water surface. In seeking an optimum spanwise loading distribution however, an unconventional criterion is used, which leads to an unexpected result.

By seeking to maximize the forward thrust for a given rolling moment, rather than maximizing the lift-drag ratio, an optimum loading distribution is obtained which departs dramatically from elliptic loading. It offers the prospect of a significant improvement in extreme yacht performance if the associated mechanical and control problems can ever be solved.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 85 , Issue 3 , 13 April 1978 , pp. 459 - 477
Copyright
© 1978 Cambridge University Press

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References

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Tan, S. H. 1976 Oxford Univ. Undergrad. Proj. Rep.
Tanner, T. 1965 Southampton Univ. Yacht Res. Rep. no. 16.
Thwaites, B. 1961 Proc. Roy. Soc. A 261, 402–422.
Wood, C. J. & Tan, S. H. 1976 Oxford Univ. Engng Lab. Rep. no. 1164/76.