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| Aerodynamic Explanation for Sail Trim? http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41473 |
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| Author: | poolemarkw [ Tue Mar 06, 2012 11:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Aerodynamic Explanation for Sail Trim? |
Can someone explain WHY a sail is trimmed with less outhaul and downhaul in light breezes? Please explain the aerodynamics behind it rather than "...because it makes you go faster!". Thanks, Mark |
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| Author: | OlderBowman [ Tue Mar 06, 2012 11:54 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Aerodynamic Explanation for Sail Trim? |
its about lift and attached air flow. in lighter air greater lift is needed so you set a fuller shaped sail to encourage a greater differential in pressure an either side of the sail. there is a limit to fullness where you then disrupt airflow and the air does not stay 'attached' going around the sail, ruining lift. |
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| Author: | MBounds [ Tue Mar 06, 2012 11:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Aerodynamic Explanation for Sail Trim? |
The three main attributes of a sail in this context are draft (how much "belly" is in the sail), the position of maximum draft and vertical sail twist. Tightening the downhaul / outhaul flattens the sail - they reduce draft and "open up" the top of the sail - increasing twist and spilling power from the top of the sail. They have opposing actions with regards to the position of max draft - the downhaul pulls it forward and the outhaul pulls it aft. In general, you want the draft further forward in light air and further back in heavy air. A flat sail has reduced power (you don't need it all) and the flow remains attached in higher winds, reducing drag. A fuller (deeper draft) sail produces more power in lighter air. The lower wind velocity flow can stay attached to the greater curve, also reducing drag. Think of the difference between the wing sections of a Cessna 172 (thick & round for slow speed) vs. a supersonic jet (almost knife-like). Same principle, just exaggerated. |
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| Author: | Flying Hollander [ Thu Mar 08, 2012 2:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Aerodynamic Explanation for Sail Trim? |
Sailing is based on Bernoulli's Principle. One of the most fascinating aspects is that a sailboat can exceed the wind-speed by almost 50%. http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall200 ... basic.html Hobie-specific information can be found in the "Hobie University" booklet: http://www.hobieclass.com/site/hobie/ih ... HobieU.pdf |
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