Computational aerodynamics for leading-edge inflatable kite design

Poland, Jelle Agatho Wilhelm; Masure, Kasper Raphaël G.; Cayon, Oriol; Schmehl, Roland

doi:10.5194/wes-11-4147-2026

Articles | Volume 11, issue 11

https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-4147-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-4147-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 11, issue 11

Research article

|

10 Nov 2026

Research article |

| 10 Nov 2026

Computational aerodynamics for leading-edge inflatable kite design

Jelle Agatho Wilhelm Poland, Kasper Raphaël G. Masure, Oriol Cayon, and Roland Schmehl

Data sets

Surface mesh of the TUDELFT_V3_KITE CAD with edge fillets J. A. W. Poland et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15316036

Supporting dataset to analysis code, use to generate figures for the paper: "Computational aerodynamics for leading-edge inflatable kite design" J. A. W. Poland et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18351331

Machine learning models for leading-edge inflatable airfoil aerodynamics J. A. W. Poland et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16925759

Model code and software

Computational aerodynamics for soft-wing kite design J. A. W. Poland et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18351807

Short summary

Soft inflatable kites are promising tools for renewable applications, but their unusual shape makes them difficult to analyse with conventional aerodynamic methods. A fast, accurate computer model is presented based on detailed airflow simulations and wind tunnel measurements. Aerodynamic forces are predicted within about 10% of experimental values while requiring far less computing time. It also helps designers to balance efficiency and stability, enabling faster, more reliable kite development.