Thread

1. 3eb7988a1663 · 1789610805 · focus · HN ↗

   If anyone else was confused why those pictures were of giant tubes and not canvas sails, you are not alone. Apparently those are some version of "Suction Sails". The vendor's website has a graphic that explains it, though it was fighting my ability to scroll.

   <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;bound4blue.com&#x2F;esail&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;bound4blue.com&#x2F;esail&#x2F;

   1. stackghost · 1789617557 · focus · HN ↗

      There are two visually similar sails. Some are rotating tubes that generate lift via the Magnus effect and even though they create low pressure zones, those are not “suction sails”, strictly speaking.

      A suction sail is a more or less conventional airfoil that houses an axial compressor to basically suck in air which causes the boundary layer to stay attached which generates lift via the same mechanisms as an aircraft wing.

      From a distance and to a casual observer they’re pretty similar.

      1. 3eb7988a1663 · 1789617938 · focus · HN ↗

         The article did mention suction sails for the Maersk Tankers, but it does seem like the bulk of the article was about the rotating tubes.

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