How a sail works basic aerodynamics ?

How a sail works basic aerodynamics ?

Worldtech Asked on 15th January 2023 in Aerodynamics.
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    Sails are mainly used with boats.  Sails are curved and it is designed in such a way that it creates a region of high pressure and low pressure around it. Sails can be compared with the wings of any airplane. On any wing there is a creation of high pressure on the bottom surface and low pressure on the upper surface. So, the upper portion of the wing is at a lower pressure and the bottom surface is at high pressure. The wing is designed in such a way that the flow of air over the top surface is at a higher speed and the flow of air at the bottom surface is at lower speed, this creates a region of lower pressure on the top surface and a region of higher pressure on the bottom surface, resulting in a net upward force of lift. 

    Picture of a sail on a boatSail on a boat

    Similarly on the sail there is a lower pressure on the front side and a higher pressure on the back side due to its curved design.  The flow of air on its front side is at a higher speed creating a low pressure region and the flow of air behind the sail is at a lower speed creating a high pressure region. This difference in pressure creates a net forward force like the lift of the aircraft. 

    This is how a sail works. So, we can say that the working of the sail in the  boat  is an analogy to the working of the wing on an aircraft.

    techAir Answered on 4th May 2023.
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