Articles | Volume 11, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
29 Apr 2026
Research article |
| 29 Apr 2026
| 29 Apr 2026
Flow field analysis of a leading-edge inflatable kite rigid-scale model using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry
Jelle Agatho Wilhelm Poland
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS, Delft, the Netherlands
Erik Fritz
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS, Delft, the Netherlands
TNO, Kessler Park 1, 2288 GS Rijswijk, the Netherlands
Roland Schmehl
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS, Delft, the Netherlands
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Short summary
We studied how air flows around a rigid-scale model of a soft-wing kite used for harvesting airborne wind energy and wind-assisted ship propulsion. Using a wind tunnel and a laser-based imaging method, we measured the airflow at different angles to compare with simulations. Measured flow field results confirm numerical predictions.
For the measurements with low uncertainty, the derived lift force quantities also correspond well with numerical predictions.
For the measurements with low uncertainty, the derived lift force quantities also correspond well with numerical predictions.
We studied how air flows around a rigid-scale model of a soft-wing kite used for harvesting...
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