A sail is not a wing

Discussion in 'Hydrodynamics and Aerodynamics' started by Sailor Al, Feb 7, 2021.

  1. CT249
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    CT249 Senior Member

    You may be thinking of the first flight of their first aircraft during the series of first attempts. The Wright's longest flight in their own planes lasted over an hour.
     
  2. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    I think that what is creating confusion is using the comparison of an airplane to a boat as proof that a sail is not a wing. Both are foils that generate a force from airflow. Whatever they are mounted to is not really relevant. A stalled wing may make a plane crash, but works nicely sailing downwind. This is like comparing a car engine to a generator engine and saying they are different because the generator is stationary.
     
  3. Will Gilmore
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    Will Gilmore Senior Member

    I think it is more like comparing an electric motor to a dynamo.
     

  4. Howlandwoodworks
    Joined: Sep 2018
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    Howlandwoodworks Member


    gonzo,
    I was think that Joule’s Law was something they all had in common but after your insight the consequences of stall makes everything else seems trivial.

    Energy=Heat-Work

    upload_2021-2-26_8-14-30.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2021
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