Viscous computational fluid dynamics as a relevant decision-making tool for mast-sail aerodynamics

Abstract

Viscous computational fluid dynamics based on Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations have been used to simulate flow around typical mast-sail geometries. It is shown how these advanced numerical methods are relevant to investigate the complexity of such strongly separated flows. Detailed numerical results have been obtained and compared to experimental ones. Comparative analysis has shown that RANS methods are able to capture the main flow features, such as mast-flow separation, recirculation bubble, bubble reattachment through a laminar-turbulent transition process, and trailing-edge separation. A second part has been devoted to the comparative behavior of these flow features through parameters variations to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of RANS methods in mastsail design optimization. The last part illustrates through two examples how RANS methods may be used to optimize the design of mast-sail geometries and evaluate their relative performances.