On the Application of RANS Simulation for Downwind Sail Aerodynamics

Abstract

At the present time technology does not exist for accurately determining force coefficients for downwind sailing. Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulation offers the potential of being a useful tool to help solve this problem. The basis of RANS is reviewed, and the results of computations for two-dimensional blocked flow normal to a flat plate are presented. Both quasi-steady and transient computations were performed. The quasi-steady computations provide excellent prediction of the effects of blockage on drag, while the transient simulations do a very good job of predicting the actual value of the drag. The application of the technology to realistic downwind sail configurations is discussed.