Performance optimization of interacting sails through fluid structure coupling

Abstract

In this paper, we address the problem of sailing yacht rig design through the development of a computational framework based on viscous CFD modelling for the aerodynamic part and on a non linear structural modelling for the structure part. The FSI coupling used is a loose coupling. The interest but also the expertise needed to use RANS based viscous CFD for the aerodynamic modelling is justified through examples and validations with a focus on complex separated flow configurations. The originality of the presented computational framework is its ability to address complex, non linear optimization problems with a derivative free evolutionary strategy. This capability is enhanced by the fact that it is based on a remeshing technique rather than on a deforming mesh one. After the description of the main elements of this computational framework for FSI, it is used for generic sail optimization problems and for the rig design of a 18 footer to illustrates its capabilities and limitations to produce accurate aeroelastic solutions on sailing yacht rigs.