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Page 1 of 2 Aerodynamic sails In this project you will build a test rig and use it to compare the aerodynamic properties of a range of different types of sail. Getting Started You should start this project with some research. Find out about how sails ‘work’ - what are the aerodynamic principles of a sail? Gather information on the main types of sail including the more traditional kinds. Things to think about Here is a list of some sail types to investigate: Bermudan, gaff, lugsail, lateen, square rig. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of sail? Building a test rig: Design and build your own rig for testing different types of sail – use the internet to do some research on how to do this. Carry out your tests and show your results to your industrial contact. Testing different sails: Now you have built your rig you should use it to test different sails. Your tests could include how fast the test rig sails and how close to the direction of the wind each design can sail. You will need to consider carefully how you will make each of your tests as fair as possible. The results: Prepare a report presenting the results of your research including your tests of the different sail types. Evaluate your test rig and the results that you obtained - do they agree with what your research told you about the effectiveness of each type of sail? Useful Resources Make contact with a yacht builder, sailmaker or University department with an interest in the aerodynamics of wings or sails. Find out from your contact how sails are tested. Try to arrange to observe a sail being tested for its aerodynamic properties. Ask for help in designing your own rig for comparing the effectiveness of different types of sail. Click to edit project description
