Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
A model of the viscous flow past a flexible sail section operating near the ideal incidence is described. Viscous effects are calculated via weak viscous-inviscid interaction of a panel method and an integral boundary layer method, and a new model for the leading edge separation bubble is introduced. The flexible section is allowed to deform in response to the pressure and shear stresses acting on it. Results are presented for the effect of incidence, excess length and Reynolds number on the development of the boundary layers on each side of the section and the consequences for the lift and drag of the section are described. The numerical model is compared with experimental results, giving in general good agreement and shedding light on the physics of the viscous flow past flexible membranes.