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What kind of work does air do when a sail boat moves forward in the wind?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Not sure exactly what you mean but I presume you are asking how a sail boat is able to sail in a direction other than with the wind.
When the boat is sailing directly downwind (called running) the sails are set roughly perpendicular to the boats direction and work a bit like a parachute, the wind basically just pushes the boat along. As the boat turns upwind (towards the direction the wind is coming from) the sails are pulled more towards the centre line and start to work more like a wing on a plane. When the wind is coming from an angle behind (called a broad reach) the sails are part parachute and part wing. When the wind is coming straight over the side of the boat (called beam reach) they cease to work like a parachute. When the boat is sailing at about 35-45% degrees from straight into the wind (as close as you can get to the wind, called close hauled) the sails are nearly parallel to the hull and working completely like a wing. They generate lift which is about 95% sideways and about 5% forwards. Since the boat has a keel (like a big fin on the bottom) it will not want to go sideways so it goes forwards and keels over on an angle.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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Name a kind of boat that doesn't have an engine?
Sail boat ; canoe ; kayak
How does a sail make a boat move faster?
It captures the available wind power, putting it to use in moving the boat. The sail interupts the wind in it's course, and naturally moves forward. As the sail is attached to a mast which itself is attached to the boat, it drags the boat along with it.A little more...The above is most accurate when running before the wind. Sails on almost all points of sail except running act more like a wing than a parachute, creating a low pressure zone in front of the sail (which sailors, pilots, and aerodynamic types call "Lift"). This low pressure zone sucks the wing or sail forward or up. The boat is indeed pulled in that vector, either at the points of attachment to a mast or a stay.
How does air pressure move air?
When a sailing boat is sailing into the wind the shape of the sail acts like a plane's wing and differential pressure across the sail propels the boat forward.
How does air pressure move boats?
When a sailing boat is sailing into the wind the shape of the sail acts like a plane's wing and differential pressure across the sail propels the boat forward.
What kind of energy the propeling a sail boat?
Wind power
How does air help a sailboat work?
the wind blows against the sail's and pushes the boat forward
How can the wind pull a sail?
The wind bows on it pushing it forward or any direction the boat is facing
What moves a sailing vessel?
Typically the wind and sails, but paddles and motors can be used. Tides and currents move them as well.The wind foils around the sail and actually pulls the boat forward. Should a given boat with high freeboard happen to have her sails down, the wind will still pull the boat downwind.
What kind of boat is a cat boat?
A catboat is a boat that has one mast and one sail, with the mast usually leaning forward. It is mainly used when sailing with kids or shorthand. They also have cabins that are between 16 to 26 feet long. There are over 5 different kinds.
What kind of boat do all families own?
the lol sail marrior
How many days by boat to get from puerto rico to the dominion republic?
Depends on what kind of boat: row,sail,motor....
How do sailboats sail?
With a square rigged sail, the wind simply pushes the boat along. With a fore and aft rigged sail, the wind is caught at an angle and slices on past the sail, pushing the sail hard down wind and a bit forward. A deep keel on the bottom of the sail boat tries to stop the downwind drift and, as a result of a bit of a push forward on the sail, the sail boat manages to scoot across the wind a bit. Square rigged ship: http://sailing-ships.oktett.net/golden-state.jpg The wind just blows the boat down wind. Fore and aft rigged sailboat (a sloop) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_98ZiJEAKrlI/Rql8iSS1u5I/AAAAAAAAFc4/hwyku_OY29E/s400/9%2Bsm%2Bsb%2Bpassing.jpg Note that the sail boat is tipped over a bit (heeling). This is due to the wind trying to push the sail boat down wind and the bottom of the sail boat (the keel) trying to stop the drift down wind. The wind is slicing off the sails and pushes the sail boat a head a bit.
