Numerical Simulation of the Turbulent Flow around an Oval-Sail

This paper presents numerical study of an oval-sail, a bluff-body equipped with a grid all along the span. Suction based flow control is applied to this body that is developed for wind assisted ship propulsion. First, a choice of numerical turbulence model is discussed through results of an oval-sail without suction. Three turbulence models are applied: the Ri j SSG, the Ri j EBRSM and the v2 f model. Then, computations are performed for the oval-sail fitted with suction grid. These last simu- lations are carried out with the low-Reynolds-number Ri j EBRSM turbulence model. The influence of the grid geometry on the oval-sail aerodynamic performances is highlighted. All simulations are carried out for the sail set at zero incidence. The Reynolds number based on the free stream velocity and the profile chord is Re = 5105. Results are compared to available experimental data.