Numerical Investigation of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of 3-Fin Surfboard Configurations

Abstract

Surfing is a popular sport, with the associated market forecast to reach 2.6 billion US dollars by 2027. In the published literature, there is a range of investigations into the performance of surfboard fins. Some studies model a single fin or review the performance of different fin layouts and surface designs. However, the effects of individual fin design features on flow dynamics are not well understood. This study provides numerical analysis into the thruster fin aspects (rake, depth, and base length) and resultant key performance indicators (i) lift and drag coefficients, and (ii) turbulent kinetic energy. The models were simulated in Ansys Fluent R19.1, solving steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using the SST k−ω turbulence model at a velocity of 7 m/s. The results indicate the performance of fins varies more post-stall. The variations in rake showed the biggest impact on the turbulence intensity at an angle ≥20°. The variations in base length exhibited coefficient trends with greater lift at small angles but significant lift losses at high angles of attack. The variations in depth affected the forces on the fins rather than the performance indicators. Based on these simulations, a proposed fin set was developed that presented the lowest lift losses after the stall point.

Computational fluid dynamics performance evaluation of grooved fins for surfboards

“…The same principle can be applied to the lift and drag experienced by fins in surfboards. Several researchers have studied the hydrodynamic performance of three-and four-fin configurations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) [3,[5][6][7][8][9][10]. It has been shown that the maximum lift for threefin configurations occurred at smaller angle of attached compared to four-fin configurations [6].…”

“…Recently, a CFD study has evaluated the performance of a variety of conventional fin designs and used the results to design a fin for a specific ocean wave (WinkiPop in Australia) [10]. The research team demonstrated that variations in rake showed the biggest impact on the turbulence intensity at angles of attack larger than 20 degrees.…”

“…The research team demonstrated that variations in rake showed the biggest impact on the turbulence intensity at angles of attack larger than 20 degrees. It was shown that variations in base length resulted in greater lift at small angle of attack values, but significant lift losses at high angles of attack [10].…”

Surface metrology as a tool in surfboard manufacturing to assess machinability of expanded polystyrene blanks via CNC milling

“…Currently, many studies have been reported in the literature on aspects related to the technological development of surfboards, involving research with new production processes [4], structural dynamics [5], hydrodynamics [6,7], instrumentation [8], and lamination [9]. However, although very recently there is a number of publications on sustainable materials for manufacturing surfboards [10], the literature neglects a scientific approach towards repeatable and reliable machining of expanded polystyrene (EPS) to achieve controlled surfboard manufacturing.…”