Hybrid Parameterization of Symmetrically Cambered (Crescent-Shaped) Airfoil Profiles for Rigid Wingsail Design in Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion

Report, 2025

Wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) is increasingly recognized as a viable pathway to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of maritime transport. Rigid wingsails with symmetrically cambered (SC), thick (crescent-shaped) profiles offer superior aerodynamic performance, but their complex geometries necessitate effective parameterization to support efficient aerodynamic and aero-structural design optimization. This paper presents and compares four parameterization methods for constructing SC profiles, as well as a Ushaped profile from the literature. The first method from the previous work uses circular arcs that provide geometric simplicity. The second method proposed by us derives profiles from classical NACA series, while the third one is completely based on Bézier curves that enable flexible and smooth geometric adjustments. Lastly, a hybrid method is proposed by combining the modified NACA series for thickness distribution with the second method for camber line adjustment. These methods form the basis of a framework that balances fidelity and adaptability in airfoil profile parameterization, and support future multidisciplinary design optimization of SC rigid wingsails.