CFD Analysis of the Survivability of a Square-Rigged Sailing Vessel

Abstract

A CFD-based model has been developed for predicting the aerodynamic forces on the rig and sails of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Wind tunnel tests and full-scale experiments were performed to validate the model. The model was then used to predict the heel angle for different wind speeds and sail configurations, with a focus on determining whether the ship would be able to survive a storm. The results show that the Captain’s practice of not allowing the ship to heel greater than 10 degrees is prudent, and that one of the sail configurations examined should be safe for any reasonably expected wind conditions on the Great Lakes. These results are useful for providing guidance to the Niagara’s officers regarding survivability of the ship.