Flying and Sailing - Horizontal and Vertical Wings
Air and water. A sailing boat uses gas and liquid flow to propel the boat from point "A" to point "B." In fact, this may give rise to the misconception, about the Bernoulli's Principle role in flying.
The Angle of Attack provides the force vector that overcomes the drag of the hull in the water. Newton's Law where an equal and opposite force reaction to pushing air and water molecules in such a way that thrust overcomes drag and you can sail! Bernoulli's Principle makes it possible for the force vector to overcome drag in lighter winds. Think about it. A plane wing, with a large camber, will provide the downward force to counteract the weight of the plane at a slower speed. Remember, Nature abhors a vacuum. It makes it easier for Newtons Law to work.
A sail is a vertical wing. A Jib Sail provides a little more power to the thrust. It also helps to maintain air flow over the Main sail when the sail is close to stalling. The tell-tales on the surface of the sail indicate a stall is eminent or the sail is actually stalled.
The keel of a sailboat is designed to create thrust as well. Look to sailboat races where the larger craft have the hull covered to prevent others to see modifications.
Big time events! The actual speed of a sailboat is comparatively slow due to friction and the drag that is difficult to overcome. In long races just a small increase in speed will secure a win.
If you design the hull so it displaces enough water without leaving a big footprint (think less drag) that is a big advantage. Archimedies Principle at work.
Taken together; Sails, keel and hull designs are crucial to racing success.
Angle of Attack is the deciding factor. Do not let the sail stall. It may take a long time to recover.
Even though water is a fluid, like air, it is not compressible and the density is far greater than air. Corrections take longer to manifest for the result to show.
Don't rip on the "rag-bags" but, instead, enjoy the pleasure as you discover how close to flying sailing really is!
Big time events! The actual speed of a sailboat is comparatively slow due to friction and the drag that is difficult to overcome. In long races just a small increase in speed will secure a win.
If you design the hull so it displaces enough water without leaving a big footprint (think less drag) that is a big advantage. Archimedies Principle at work.
Taken together; Sails, keel and hull designs are crucial to racing success.
Even though water is a fluid, like air, it is not compressible and the density is far greater than air. Corrections take longer to manifest for the result to show.
Don't rip on the "rag-bags" but, instead, enjoy the pleasure as you discover how close to flying sailing really is!
