Technological sails to go faster

Quantum Sails has elevated the art and science of sailmaking to a new level, achieving the fastest and most efficient shapes and structures possible. How did he do it? Thanks to iQ Technology the industry’s smartest design system for membrane sails.
While some companies rely on standardized tools, iQ Technology is Quantum Sails’ proprietary, fully integrated, registered software, refined over 25 years by people with extensive knowledge and experience in the world of sailing and its complex engineering structures.
The iQ technology integrates state-of-the-art design and manufacturing methods along with in-water testing in a systematic process that ensures the sail not only performs, but also behaves consistently.

How iQ Technology Works

Using 3D computer modeling, with complex mathematical calculations and virtual testing, Quantum Sails designers begin the design by analyzing each element of a membrane sail’s aerodynamic performance and structural requirements.
The precise construction specifications of the refined sail design are then transferred to the production team where they are fabricated using meticulous manufacturing procedures.
Performance is then further optimized through rigorous validation and refinement of in-water data, as the results demonstrate.
The i-technology is integral to the making of every Quantum sail and overlooks absolutely nothing.
It processes sail size, shape, structure, fiber type and layout.
Quantum’s experience-from One-Design boats to maxi yachts-is mixed with iQ Technology’s high technology, in a blend of knowledge, experience and best practices applied to the making of all Quantum sails.

Quantum Sails’ investment in technology is driven by the ambition to create a better sailing experience for all customers, at any level.
Sailors who choose Quantum can take pride in knowing that their sails are made using the same high standards and production methods developed for all Fusion M® sails. “Sustainability is at the heart of our future developments. In fact, the iQ technology itself is an integral part of our ECO SAILS project, which involves the use of membranes totally constructed from recycled fibers. A major effort that we do not want to give up, and of which we are proud. Recycled materials require a much more complex production process, because the structures have to be managed in a more complex way. It is not only the construction of the sails that is environmentally sustainable, in fact we have also adapted the lofts where we produce ECO SAILS and all other membranes to be totally Green.” says Marco Savelli, sailor and ambassador of Quantum Sails.

Quantum Sails – What’s behind Eco Sails sails

The balance between aerodynamic pressure and surface tension-the classic engineering problem called aeroelasticity determines the flyng shape of a wing.
Quantum designers, with the help of iQ, address this challenge with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations to evaluate aerodynamic forces and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate elasticity.

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Sail shape

After analyzing the actual boat specifications, iQ uses the extensive database that includes a variety of boat and sail types, defines the dimensions and geometry of each specific sail creates a mold shape.
Sophisticated editing tools enable the highest levels of accuracy and refinement.

Aerodynamic analysis

Using a virtual prototype of the shape the sail will take, iQ provides Quantum Sails designers with the data they need to calculate and visualize aerodynamic forces based on angles and wind speeds, and air pressure distribution on each side of the sail.
The data resulting from this analysis helps predict what the sail’s performance will be, limiting any errors.

Quantum Sails – Structural analysis and fiber layout

Using finite element analysis (FEA), Quantum Sails designers visualize where the sail bends and twists, and the stress distribution when the membrane is under stress.
The virtual sail, of course, is part of the rig, which first takes into account the differences in each individual boat type, then goes on to analyze and increase both longitudinal and transverse stiffness.
The data obtained through internal material testing is added to the equation that determines the placement and amount of fibers, so each Quantum sail is born with a custom designed and tested to the specifications of each boat.

• For more information, visit the Quantum Sails website

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