RE: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise [wing theory]

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The analogy works better for the propeller of an airplane or helicopter
where the propulsive force is more obvious, especially when compared to
a Greenland paddle. Greenland paddles require a significant and obvious
slicing motion to prevent cavitation (flow separation?).  
An even better example is a bird wing during vertical or near vertical
takeoff. Fast birds with relatively high aspect ratio low camber wings,
such as doves, don't do that well on takeoff where there is a need to
generate high lift at low speeds (high angle of attack). Slow birds such
as quail with low aspect ratio high camber wings do extremely well in
that flight regime. Any bird hunter knows that shooting a dove during
takeoff is not even good sport, but hitting a quail in the same
circumstance is quite challenging.

             Steve Brown


-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Gorjup
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise [wing theory]

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.
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