The Science of Sailing Part 4

Science of Sailing Part 4

Peter van Oosanen.
Phenomena and Drag Originating from the Air-Water Interface.
A complete guide to the physics of sailing and the naval architecture govering the performance of sailing yachts

Part 4 of the series “The Science of Sailing” covers the phenomena and drag that arise from the fluidity of the water surface. Topics that are dealt with are wave causation, the wave pattern generated by the hull, wave drag, running trim and sinkage/rise, breaking waves, spray, wind-generated waves and spectra, motions of sailing yachts, wave-added drag, surfing behaviour, cavitation, ventilation, and the effects of limited water depth.

Part 4 consists of two chapters. Chapter 8 is devoted to the phenomena and drag originating from the air-water interface, with little reference to water depth. This lack of differentiation with respect to water depth is permissible for many of the topics addressed – but not for all. The necessary different treatment of relevant subjects in water of restricted depth has been collected and transferred to Chapter 9. Chapter 9 may therefore be considered as a dedicated chapter to the topics of Chapter 8 that need special treatment when the effect of water depth is considered.