When Mathematics and Materials go Sailing

About

It has been proven over the years that an effort for the America's Cup require tomorrows technology if a realistic contender should be launched. EPFL has during the past years collaborated closely with the Alinghi team in terms of scientific research and implementation of new technology. It is always a challenge for a University to enter projects of this character, as they require the competence to combine long-term goals with sometimes very short-term needs and decisions. A split-vision approach is needed, which is both demanding and challenging for the partners when designing and manufacturing at the extreme limit. The impact of this involvement, and the close collaboration between EPFL and the Alinghi team will be illustrated with concrete examples taken from the fluid dynamics and the optimization of the composite materials for the hull manufacturing.

The application of numerical simulations to the design of sailing yachts is becoming more commonplace, particularly for the America's Cup. The research activity in fluid dynamics has been related to the application of advanced numerical methods for the solution of the mathematical equations governing the complex aerodynamic and hydrodynamic flows around the sailing yacht. In the talk numerical studies will be shown that have been undertaken in three principal areas: hydrodynamic flow around the boat appendages (hull, keel, bulb and winglets), aerodynamic flow around the mast and sails, and the generation of waves on the water surface. The results obtained have been integrated into the design process, together with the results of more traditional numerical tools and experimentation, in order to optimize the overall boat performance. This problem is very challenging from the mathematical standpoint. The benefits to the design process as well as its limitations will be discussed. Practical matters, such as manpower and computational requirements, are also considered.

Organiser: Daniel Treille / EP Division * Tea &…