Could flapping sails be more efficient?
 

Food for thought!

The cause of flags flapping is apparently now understood:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...s_/ai_68951554

The underlying principles in the coupled oscillating flow are going to be
used to develop highly efficient wings for miniature robotics.

Now suppose some type of oscillation could be set up and sustained on a
sail's surface and used to benefit the shedding of the flow on the trailing
edge - would sails be able to harness more power from the wind?

Has anyone ever noticed a small surface oscillation upon their sails even
when correctly trimmed?

Could flapping sails be more efficient?
 

On Wed, 3 Dec 2008 14:36:05 -0700, "Charles Momsen"
wrote:

Food for thought!

The cause of flags flapping is apparently now understood:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...s_/ai_68951554

The underlying principles in the coupled oscillating flow are going to be
used to develop highly efficient wings for miniature robotics.

Now suppose some type of oscillation could be set up and sustained on a
sail's surface and used to benefit the shedding of the flow on the trailing
edge - would sails be able to harness more power from the wind?

Has anyone ever noticed a small surface oscillation upon their sails even
when correctly trimmed?


Yes....most likely the result of the effect of seams on airflow.




OzOne of the three twins

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