Physics Q: What Law Applied to Lead Boat Against Wind?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of aerodynamics principles to sailboats navigating against the wind. Specifically, it highlights how the shape of a sail functions similarly to an airplane wing, creating a pressure difference that propels the boat forward. The faster airflow over one side of the sail results in lower pressure compared to the slower airflow on the opposite side, generating thrust. This principle is essential for understanding how boats can effectively sail into the wind.

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vu95112
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I read one book. The author says that, in the old day, people know to apply physics to lead a boat against the wind. Anyone can help me on this question. What is the law in physics do they apply? Thank You.
 
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This i believe has to do with aerodynamics. A sail works just like an airplane wing, if you point the boat against the wind, the sail will have a curve like an airplane wing. Let's say that this bulge is towards the left. So air will flow faster at the left side and slower at the other because it has to travel a greater distance to get to the other side. Just like an Airplane wing(i know i keep repeating this but its exactly the same principle). So the air going faste will have less pressure than the slower moving air. And so if you take the pressure difference and multiply it times the area of the sail you will see that the force will actually push it forward against the wind.
If this doesn't make sense look at my diagram i am about to submit

FoxCommander
 
Sorry i couldn't get my scanner to work so just look it up on google and you should be able to make sense of it using my description
 
Hello FoxCommander,

Thank you very much for your help. I got it. I can search it on Google. I wish you have a very nice Thanksgiving.
Vu95112
 
Thanks and you have a wonderful Thanksgiving yourself!


FoxCommander
 

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