Structure analysis of lightweight sail structures for wind-assisted ship propulsion
Paper in proceeding, 2023

Wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, such as rigid wingsails, are a promising means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. This study uses quasistatic finite element analysis to simulate the structural responses of a crescent-shaped wingsail rig. A few conceptual designs for telescopic rigs are compared, ranging from a rig with a central mast to a mastless rig. The rigs are assessed against three criteria regarding their displacement, strength, and weight. External wind loads are applied to the sails based on the results of aerodynamic simulations in prior studies. The advantages and disadvantages of each concept are discussed, with the aim of providing a strategy for the structural design and arrangement of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems. The results of the study could be used in future work as a basis for structural optimization and fluid–structure interaction analysis.

wingsail

structural response

fluid-structure interaction

Wind-assisted ship propulsion

crescent-shaped

Author

Heng Zhu

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Sreeharsha Bikkireddy

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Jonas Ringsberg

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Huadong Yao

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Bengt Ramne

ScandiNAOS AB

Advances in the Analysis and Design of Marine Structures - Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Marine Structures (MARSTRUCT 2023)

327-335
978-1-032-50636-4 (ISBN)

9th International Conference on Marine Structures, MARSTRUCT 2023
Gothenburg, Sweden,

Strategic research project on Chalmers on hydro- and aerodynamics

The Chalmers University Foundation, 2019-01-01 -- 2023-12-31.

WINDSTRUC - wind-assisted propulsion for commercial vessels

ScandiNAOS AB, 2020-12-01 -- 2023-11-30.

Swedish Energy Agency (51552-1), 2020-12-01 -- 2023-11-30.

Stena Shipping AB, 2020-12-01 -- 2023-11-30.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Subject Categories

Materials Engineering

Vehicle Engineering

Energy Systems

Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics

Marine Engineering

Areas of Advance

Transport

Energy

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.1201/9781003399759-36

More information

Latest update

3/12/2024