How does surface size affect wind pressure on a sail boat?

AI Thread Summary
Wind pressure on a sailboat or wind turbine is influenced by the surface area and the wind speed. Bernoulli's equation can be applied for deformable surfaces like sails, while rigid surfaces require consideration of Newton's laws due to wind deflection. The pressure exerted by wind on a surface changes with wind direction, speed, and the surface's characteristics. In the case of a 120m span wind turbine with a 12,000 m² surface area, adjustments in wind speed are necessary to maintain consistent pressure if the surface area is decreased. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing performance in both sailing and wind energy applications.
jacques dichi
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hi forumers,

I've got a question,and of course all proper answers are welcome,
I think however a sailboat designer/engineer would quickly know
what I'm talking about.
I'd like to know what is the pressure/push of a 10 mph (16 km/h)
wind on 12,000 sq.mt. surface ,and how to figure this out if I change
the parameters ?
Thks. & Happy Easter
J.D.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You can use Bernoulli's equation to calculate the stagnation pressure at that wind speed.
 
Thk. u Russ for yr. reply I'll try bernoulli as suggested - if he fails me - I'll come back to u
 
Hey,

It depends on the surface you are talking about. If it is a sail, then it can deform so that the velocity of the wind is practically zero on the sail surface. So Bernoulli's principle would hold good. But if it is a rigid surface, the wind will get deflected and the force is based on Newton's 2nd law. Besides, this value also changes with the direction of wind and speed of the boat(or surface) and compression of air.
Do let me know if you want a general equation for the same :)
 
sci-phy said:
Hey,

It depends on the surface you are talking about. If it is a sail, then it can deform so that the velocity of the wind is practically zero on the sail surface. So Bernoulli's principle would hold good. But if it is a rigid surface, the wind will get deflected and the force is based on Newton's 2nd law. Besides, this value also changes with the direction of wind and speed of the boat(or surface) and compression of air.
Do let me know if you want a general equation for the same :)

thks. for your answer. - I think according to it I might have misled a few people with the phrasing of the question or my comparison - sorry for that.
What I have is a 120m. span 3 wing wind turbine -approx. 12,000 m^2 surface - it does not deform like a sail and it is not rigid like a wall although when rotating it could be considered as such - and a 10 mph wind.
If I decrease the surface,how have I got to increase the wind in order to obtain the same "pressure/push" ?
Pls. bear with me,
Thks.
 

Thread 'Query on Isentropic relationships (such as PV^gamma = constant)'

Hi all, I have a question. So from the derivation of the Isentropic process relationship PV^gamma = constant, there is a step dW = PdV, which can only be said for quasi-equilibrium (or reversible) processes. As such I believe PV^gamma = constant (and the family of equations) should not be applicable to just adiabatic processes? Ie, it should be applicable only for adiabatic + reversible = isentropic processes? However, I've seen couple of online notes/books, and...
View full post »

Thread 'Dry sump pump issue'

I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Sail craft and apparent wind theory
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Why does a stiff boat rudder produce forward thrust when pumped left to right?
3
Replies
117
Views
7K
How Does Trifilar Winding Affect Q Factor in Audio Inductors?
Replies
28
Views
3K
B How Does Blackbird Leverage Wind Power to Move Faster Than the Wind?
2
Replies
69
Views
15K
Calculating the forward force of a sailboat
Replies
21
Views
11K
Very Large Scale Wind Generator
Replies
16
Views
7K
Does Pipe Size Reduction Affect Flow Rate and Pressure Drop Significantly?
Replies
1
Views
3K
How Does Bow Wave Angle Correlate with Boat Speed on a Catamaran?
Replies
4
Views
13K
How does the solar wind affect Earth's atmosphere?
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Do You Solve Vector Problems in Physics?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top