Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Minn Kota - Thrust

[Kenneth Schulze <aquamari@cruzers.com>]

Thanks Pat,
Going back through my books, many state that the Sears-Haack & the Von Karman
Ogive shapes are the lowest in drag.  The problem with using these minimum drag
shapes is getting everything else to balance out in the real world.

Laminar shapes offer incredible performance when done right, but they are very
sensitive to surface finish and disturbances.

I think Karl is on the right track when he talks about the shape of a Tuna.  I
think we still have a lot to learn from nature about design!
Take care,
Ken Schulze

Captain Nemo wrote:

> Thanks Jon,
>
> I'm reading text and comparing silhouettes now...
>
> Your URL takes us to your SEEKER AUV design: I see what you mean about a
> teardrop that is "thickest" in the middle.
>
> Ken Schulze is an aeronautical engineer who's offered to compare my
> elongated teardrop hulls to data determined by windtunnel testing; sounds
> like there might be some correlation here.  Will be interesting to see how
> the numbers work out.
>
> Jump on in here, Ken!  Take a look and tell us what you think.  More
> flow-efficient (less form drag) with the apex of the camber, say,  1/3 back
> from the leading edge and tapering gradually back from there; or in
> midcamber, as Jon's design?  And please explain why, if you would.
>
> And would you think one design more or less efficient than the other for
> fast or slow speeds?
>
> VBR.
>
> Pat