Experimental Force Coefficients for a Parametric Series of Spinnakers
A parametric series of eight spinnaker models was built and tested in a wind tunnel according to the theory of statistical Design of Experiments. In these models, three sail shape parameters were varied - cross section camber ratio, sail aspect ratio, and sweep. Lift and drag forces were measured for a range of angles of attack, and the thrust force coefficient was determined as a function of apparent wind angle for each of the eight sails. It was found that flat spinnakers are faster than full spinnakers and that spinnakers with low sweep (more vertical) are faster than spinnakers with high sweep. This is consistent with general sailing practice, which maximizes projected sail area by pulling the pole back and down. The influence of aspect ratio on drag coefficient was small and within experimental error. A description of the sail shapes and corresponding force coefficients is presented for future validation of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations.