K2 tow test – Nov 22
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Today we towed K2 around the bay to test new logger updates. We hoped also to try our new 50 sqm high-aspect-ratio kite, but the wind was too low. Damon’s father-in-law joined us on the Protector. Joe and Vincent also tried out brand-new drysuits, and Gabe’s father visited the shop.
from Jamie:
For the first time on K2, we are now recording the kitearm angle and the rudder pitch angle. We are particularly interested in relating the rudder pitch to the boat speed, since this is an important manual adjustment that could be automated in the future. Currently, the helmsman must adjust the pitch of the rudder to keep the boat level as the boat speed changes. An example of the rudder pitch vs. speed during the tow test is shown in the final graph. The rudder pitch (shown here without meaningful units) does vary with the boat speed. Unfortunately the boat was not towed steadily at a wide range of speeds, so it is difficult to draw any conclusions from this test alone. As we amass readings from future tests, it should become clearer whether the boat speed alone is enough information to automate control of the rudder pitch.
Kai View Data:
20111122-k2-tow.kai.bz2
More: Kiteboat Tests