| Popis: |
Virtual Sailing Pty Ltd is an Australian company that for over 10 years has invested significant time and resources into developing a ride on sailing simulator, which replicates several classes including the Laser and megabyte sailing dinghies. The simulator provides a means for training and performance assessment of sailors; including the feature of providing rehabilitation and training for disabled body sailors through the V-Sail Access Simulator. Prior to this project, the sailing simulator had not been validated with experimental testing. It was proposed that an experimental Data Acquisition System be used in a series of manoeuvring trials, in order to obtain experimental validation data. Full scale experimental testing was performed at Albert Park Lake, Melbourne. The aim of testing was to acquire validation data including dinghy velocity over land; Apparent Wind Speed (AWS) and Apparent Wind Angle (AWA), Rudder angle and GPS position. Subsequent testing on the simulator using experimental course data from Albert Park Lake was used to systematically repeat full scale course laps and manoeuvres in order to obtain simulated data for comparison with experimental data. Comparison between experimental and simulated data formed the validation component of the project. The validation study found that the manoeuvring model employed in the simulator replicated the results from experimental testing, especially with regard to manoeuvring response of the simulator compared to experimental results. Average dinghy velocity through specific headings relative to true wind angle showed variation to the simulator (within an order of magnitude), which requires further investigation. Specifically, it is recommended that future work investigates the validation of the main resistance and powering components of the simulation, including but not limited to; hydrodynamic hull drag, righting moment provided/required by the sailor, and aerodynamic sail forces. Finally, the Data Acquisition System and supporting equipment was found to be robust, and potentially applicable to other marine vessels. |
