Hydrodynamic Performance of a Surfboard Fin

Abstract

The performance of a generic surfboard fin is investigated in a cavitation tunnel to gain basic understanding of the viscous flows involved for future systematic experimental and computational studies. Measurements of lift and drag forces, pitching moment and results of flow visualisation are presented. Surface flow visualisation studies reveal relatively complex boundary layer transition and separation phenomena although lift and drag characteristics are virtually invariant with Reynolds number in the range tested. A mixed two- and three-dimensional separation behaviour is observed at high incidence.