Abstract
This thesis describes a method for modeling and animating a sailboat, by means of physically based techniques. Sailboats are excellent candidates for modeling and animating. Their dynamics have been well studied by nautical engineers and they have powerful visual appeal. In a given wind, the speed that a sailboat can attain along any course relative to wind direction is determined by a combination of forces of different origins: aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, buoyancy and gravitational. A model including these forces is defined and implemented through a computer program. To simulate the effects of the wind and water on the vessel, the hull and rig are represented by a rigid body. The sails are modeled as a system of particles interacting with each other by means of springs and dampers. For simplicity of the model, "steady" sailing conditions are assumed, in which wind velocity and direction are not constantly changing and the effect of waves is ignored, assuming that the vessel is sailing on calm waters. However the effect of self-generated waves is included in the model, in order to properly calculate the resistance of the hull. The results are presented as an animation and compared to real footage in order to demonstrate the accuracy of the model.
Miniati, Maria Pia (2000). A physically based approach to modeling and animating a sailboat. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2000 -THESIS -M56.