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An Application of Geodesic Curves to Sail Design
Author(s) -
Haw R.J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
computer graphics forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.578
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1467-8659
pISSN - 0167-7055
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8659.1985.tb00203.x
Subject(s) - geodesic , computer science , citation , graphics , computer graphics (images) , world wide web , information retrieval , library science , mathematics , geometry
Sails are traditionally created from bolts of fabric fastened together in some way. The process begins by cutting individual bolts or panels to a more or less prescribed pattern. Ultimately the joined panels will yield a finished sail with a cross-section, when blown taut, similar to that of an airfoil. This sail shape varies as a function of purpose, and indeed most sails continually demand changes in cross-section and area in order to maximize performance. A few sails, for example windsurfer sails, do not significantly alter their form during operation.