Thin fabric-based yacht sails have a cambered shape to generate lift force; however, their shape can be easily deformed by wind pressure and also affected by the deformation of the mast. These deformations can change the airflow characteristics over the sail. Therefore, Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis is needed to evaluate the sail force precisely. In this study, airflow over the deformed sail and rig was studied using FSI. Elastic deformation of the sail and rig was obtained by an aerodynamic calculation under dynamic pressure loading on the sail surface. The effects of rig deformation on the aerodynamic performance of the sail were examined according to the rig type and mast flexibilities. As a result, the changes of lift force for a fractional type rig with a thin mast section were more significant than with a masthead rig.
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