Best CFD software for sail flow simulations

Umberto · July 15, 2013, 03:06

Hello,
I am looking for a CFD software which could be used by a sailmaking company to simulate the flow around sails. The main purpose is that of showing the flow animation to the customer and providing some simple information, such as pressure force acting at a particular location on the sail and lift. I really don't need anything like CFX or Fluent, and the results don't necessarily need to be extremely accurate. Does anyone know if there's a software created for this purpose?

cheers
umberto

ziggo · July 16, 2013, 04:16

Try XFLR5. It's not CFD, but uses a 3D panel or Vortice Latice Method. It might be suitable for you as you don't need accurate results.
However, it also might not work as sails are used at high angles of attack and XFLR5 is not designed for it. It might work, try out some validation cases first though.

Totalsim · July 16, 2013, 07:51

OpenFOAM and Paraview could do the job for you, if you want something a little more advanced.

http://www.totalsimulation.co.uk/wp/sail-simulation/

Good look with your hunt.

July 15, 2013, 03:06	Best CFD software for sail flow simulations	#1
Umberto New Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 13	Hello, I am looking for a CFD software which could be used by a sailmaking company to simulate the flow around sails. The main purpose is that of showing the flow animation to the customer and providing some simple information, such as pressure force acting at a particular location on the sail and lift. I really don't need anything like CFX or Fluent, and the results don't necessarily need to be extremely accurate. Does anyone know if there's a software created for this purpose? cheers umberto

July 16, 2013, 07:51		#3
Totalsim Member Jon Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 47 Rep Power: 13	OpenFOAM and Paraview could do the job for you, if you want something a little more advanced. http://www.totalsimulation.co.uk/wp/sail-simulation/ Good look with your hunt. __________________ TotalSim CFD Engineer www.totalsimulation.co.uk

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July 16, 2013, 04:16		#2
ziggo Member Bart A. Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 45 Rep Power: 0	Try XFLR5. It's not CFD, but uses a 3D panel or Vortice Latice Method. It might be suitable for you as you don't need accurate results. However, it also might not work as sails are used at high angles of attack and XFLR5 is not designed for it. It might work, try out some validation cases first though.