RE: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise [wing theory]

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:22:51 -0400
On 10 Jun 2003 at 7:04, Steve Brown wrote:

Lots of interestng and useful comparisons, Steve.

> -A paddle is used like a wing used at high angle of attack, making it
> susceptible to stall (cavitation in water world). Stalling a wing
> results in a dramatic reduction of lift. In our case that is a
> dramatic reduction in propulsive force

Nit to pick - cavitation is not possible for us weaklings. True 
cavitation results from a pressure drop across the paddle on the 
order of one atmosphere.  Even over a small area, that would 
translate into a big force.

The correct term is "ventilation" - it's basically air drawn down by 
the paddle from the surface of the water.  If deep enough, the blade 
will stall without any venilation.

Mike



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Received on Tue Jun 10 2003 - 08:18:42 PDT

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