RE: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise [wing theory]

From: Dave Gorjup <dgorjup_at_cox.net>
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 10:43:57 -0400
Let me preface this by saying I'm a fixed wing pilot and a helicopter crew 
chief with several thousand hours flight time. I also spent several years 
supporting wind tunnel operations testing aircraft and spacecraft in 
another lifetime.

That said, I'm having a terrible time trying to relate the operation of an 
aircraft wing or helicopter blade to the functionality of any kind of 
paddle. In my mind, wings generate lift by orienting them to present the 
least planform to the medium it's moving through, in most cases. Paddles 
must present the maximum planform to generate the most resultant force to 
the kayak and paddler.

Can anyone point me to a very basic source of information or theory, 
preferably web based, that can get me somewhere in the neighborhood of what 
you people are talking about? Looking at the movies that someone provided a 
link for earlier did nothing to alleviate my confusion.
Thanks in advance,
Dave G.

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Received on Tue Jun 10 2003 - 07:44:31 PDT

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