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.