Fluid Structure Interactions of Symmetrically Cambered Wing Sail with Simplified Structure

Other conference contribution, 2026

Modern rigid wing sails have received increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to reduce ship fuel consumption. While most analyses focus on the aerodynamic performance of wing sails, little research has been conducted on their structural response to aerodynamic forces. This paper seeks to address this gap by performing a fluid--structure interaction (FSI) simulation of a symmetrically cambered wing sail with a simplified structure. The goal is to analyse the global deformation and stress state of the structure at a $15^\circ$ angle of attack. The study builds upon previous work on a two-dimensional aerofoil shape, extended to three dimensions. The full wing sail is 72 meters tall and tapers from a chord length of 14 meters at the root to 7 meters at the tip. The focus on global deformation allows the use of a simplified structure comprising three main components: the mast, five ribs, and the skin that wraps around the ribs to form the aerodynamic surface. The FSI simulation is set up as a co-simulation between STAR-CCM+ and Abaqus. The airflow has a Reynolds number of $10^7$ and is assumed to be incompressible. Turbulence is modelled using the $k$--$\omega$ SST-informed Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation approach. Preliminary FSI simulation results indicate the flow induces an increase in effective angle of attack, leading to a corresponding increase in lift and drag. Frequency analysis shows no resonance between the unsteady aerodynamic loads and the first ten structural modes, with minimal induced deflection.