RE: [Paddlewise] Racing and paddles wit

1. For those of us not versed in the mathematics of fluid dynamics, are
there any inexpensive computer programs for modeling fluid flow around
objects that could be used to compare different blade shapes, angles
of attack, etc.? It could be an interesting and informative way to
while away an evening or two.

2. I think that opinions on paddles will always be subjective. Even
if we establish scientifically that Greenland paddles have more or
less drag or lift, or that they are more or less efficient for moving
a boat forward, there are so many other parameters to be weighed, such
as muscle fatigue, paddle grip, rolling, bracing, paddling style,
cruising vs. racing, that some will always prefer the Greenland paddle
even if it can be shown to be flawed in certain respects.

Another way to put it is there are performance trade-offs for any
paddle that rightly will be weighed differently by different people.

Nonethess, objective tests might make weighing the options a little
easier.

Chuck Holst

 -----Original Message-----
From: John Winters [mailto:735769_at_ican.net]
Sent: Friday, July 24, 1998 10:15 AM
To: PaddleWise
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Racing and paddles wit

<snip>

..A lot of the Greenland paddle stuff has the appearance (to me anyway)
of a lot of subjective opinion masquerading as fact. What I am seeking
are quantifiable facts. If there are none it is not a sin but at least
one knows what kind of credibility to attach to the opinions.

This, of course is not to say that you would respond that way since I
suspect that you would prefer facts as well.

In the meantime Fluid Dynamic Drag by Hoerner and Theory of Wing Sections
by Abbott and Doenhoef might be a good place to start.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/



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