iQ Technology

iQ Technology®

Intelligent Sail Design by Quantum Sails

Quantum Sails has elevated the art and science of sail making to a new level, resulting in the fastest and most efficient sail shapes and structures possible. It’s called iQ Technology and simply stated, it’s the most intelligent design system in the industry for making membrane sails.

Whereas some companies rely on off-the-shelf tools, Quantum’s iQ Technology is a fully integrated, proprietary approach honed over 25 years by people with vast knowledge and expertise in sailing and the complexities of engineered structures. iQ Technology integrates state-of-the-art design and manufacturing methods along with on-the-water testing in a systematic process that ensures outstanding sail performance, consistency and repeatability.

Using computerized 3D modeling, complex mathematical computations, and virtual testing, Quantum designers begin by analyzing each element of a membrane sail’s aerodynamic performance and structural requirements. Precise construction specifications of the refined sail design are then transferred to the manufacturing team where sails are made using meticulous manufacturing procedures with tolerances measured in millimeters. At the most demanding levels of the sport, performance is further optimized through rigorous, on-the-water validation and refinement.

iQ Technology informs the making of every Quantum sail. Sailors who choose Quantum sails can take pride in knowing their sails are made using the same high standards and manufacturing methods developed for Quantum's high-end, Fusion M® sails used in the most demanding environments. Our investment in technology is driven by our ambition to create a better sailing experience for all customers, at every level of sailing.

iQ Technology Case Study

Design

A balance between aerodynamic pressure and surface tension—the classic engineering problem called aero elasticity—determines the optimal flying shape of a sail. Quantum’s sail designers address this challenge with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) calculations to assess the aerodynamic forces and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate elasticity. The first step is to determine the sail shape.

Sail Shape

Using our own 3D design program, actual boat specifications and our extensive database of boat and sail types, the size and geometry of the sail are defined and a mold shape created. Sophisticated editing tools allow for the highest levels of accuracy and refinement.

Aerodynamic Analysis

Using a virtual prototype of the sail shape and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) calculations, designers compute and visualize aerodynamic forces, wind angles and velocities, and the distribution of air pressure on each side of the sail. The resulting images and data help predict performance.

Structural Analysis and Fiber Mapping

Using finite element analysis (FEA), Quantum designers visualize where the sail bends and twists and the distribution of stress and strain within the membrane. The virtual sail is attached to a rig model that takes into account the properties of the running and standing rigging and longitudinal and transverse stiffness. Data gained through in-house materials testing is added to the equation to evaluate the effects of different fiber types, amounts, and placement leading to the development of a custom fiber map.

The integration of 3D modeling, CFD and FEA allows designers to assess and refine varying elements of the sail design leading ultimately to the optimal size, shape, structure, fiber type, and fiber layout of the finished product. Quantum’s expertise in using these tools is particularly valuable when applied to large sailing yachts, which present unique challenges due to variable weight placement and heavy loads.

Performance Optimization

When collaborating with boat design teams, Quantum designers also use a velocity prediction program (VPP), to assess a sail’s impact on boat performance in different wind conditions by linking aerodynamic to hydrodynamic performance—in other words balancing hull and sail forces. The impact of rig position, rake, heel, rudder angle and other variables can be modeled and evaluated. Conversely, sail shapes can be optimized for the hull characteristics of specific designs.

Manufacturing

Quantum’s membrane sails are built in new, state-of-the art manufacturing centers using technically advanced methods developed by the company over the last decade for laminating and shaping the membrane. Written standards for every detail of the finishing process ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability. Quantum maintains links to industrial and academic partners throughout the world as part of its commitment to continuous improvement in manufacturing quality, consistency, and efficiency.

Lamination

The membrane is a laminate composed of a custom fiber map sandwiched between sheets of very thin Mylar® film. Quantum membrane sails are designed with more cross fiber in the base scrim than other sail brands creating a more efficient structure that is easier to trim due to a wider effective wind range, increased durability and better shape retention.

To create the laminate, fibers are strung on the base film in a custom pattern according to the design specifications. During application, excess glue is stripped from the fibers to avoid saturation, minimize brittleness, and to achieve the highest strength-to-weight ratio. After the top layer of film is in place, a vacuum bagging process is used to “shrink wrap” the film around the fibers. The layers are then fused using infrared heat and six to eight tons of pressure to thermo-set the adhesives. This proprietary process squeezes the adhesive down to the thinnest possible layer and induces polymerization—a “cross-linked” molecular structure — which produces a membrane that is four to five times stronger than a laminate adhered with a traditional hot-melt method.

Post-cured Shaping

In a vast improvement over older shaping methods employed by other sailmakers, Quantum’s sails are laminated in sections first then cut, shaped and joined into the final one-piece membrane before the broad seams and luff curve are carefully measured to the millimeter, ensuring precision. Advancements in lamination and seaming techniques have effectively eliminated seam failures and delamination. The result of this exacting lamination and shaping process is more precise shapes that are exceptionally durable and infinitely repeatable with infinitesimal shrinkage or distortion.

Verification

The Quantum Racing TP52 program competing annually in the 52 Super Series Circuit is a platform for validating technological advancements. This racing circuit—with a professional crew and over 200 hours of sailing over the course of the series in a full range of wind and sea conditions on all points of sail—provides the most controlled way to gather data, verify performance targets and identify areas for improvement. For racing teams looking to maximize the performance of their Quantum sails, this testing and verification process can be replicated, providing a proven advantage.

From iQ Technology comes knowledge, experience and best practices that are applied to the making of all Quantum sails. Our investment in technology is driven by our ambition to create a better sailing experience for all customers, at every level of sailing.