Some Taiwan scientists have figured out a way to reduce the wake from ferries crossing the harbor, most harbors and lakes, many rivers have speed limits to reduce the wake which cases hardships accidents, inconvenience and damage to other craft. We have all heard of the gentleman who ended up between the dock and hull of a large boat and was crushed to death, so obviously it is a serious matter. Yet speed on the water saves time and means greater profits more movement in less time means more efficiency. In places like Taiwan with the insanely high populations, there are serious needs getting all the people where they need to be.
By redesigning the hulls in a wavy fashion they are able to reduce significantly the wake. Mr. Cheng-Hung Huang has come up with a wavy design, which reduces wake. Here is the design.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns.../99996368F1.JPG
Here is the premise:
http://else.hebis.de/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?co...87_atihcphfbcgm
Now then let's take this concept and apply it to a winglet on a heavy airliner, cargo aircraft or military troop transport. We know the winglets help reduce drag and wing tip vortices and wake turbulence, which is quite a violent disruption, which moves a lot of air. For instance if you google NASA's LARC project you will see the studies done.
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Movie/B-7...EM-0073-01.html
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Movie/C-5...EM-0085-01.html
Now then in the Mr. Cheng-Hung Huang model the researchers designed their Ferry Catamaran hulls for both deep water and for shallow water. This would work for both dense and less dense air, which takes into consideration the changes in altitude for the aircraft. Now realize the airfoil is different than the hull in that the hull of a ship is going through fluid that is 750 more dense than air, yet the same principles do apply in limited sense. So even if the wavy design is somewhat less exaggerated on the winglets of an aircraft the savings in wing tip vortices could be significant and therefore more efficient flight.
The hull design in this case is a perfect compromise shape for efficiency between the salt water and fresh water since the two have different densities. Instead of a normal sleek hull designs they have designed a hull with bizarre contours at specific intervals. The peaks are set at 24, 68 yards from the bow with the trough 44 yards. These very same techniques in fluid dynamics occur in aerodynamics
The research would indicate that as long as the dimensions were proportional the concept could be used on any length simply by adjusting the position of the convex peaks and concave troughs in proportion to the hull length. So if the winglets on an A340 or a C-17 are 68 inches then the trough would be at 44 inches. As the air flows across the wing up onto the winglet. For the fuselage of an aircraft the same thought could be used. And you thought those old B-52's needed to be re-skinned just because they have 500,000 TT Airframe hours and are wavy and worn out? No actually they may actually work better that way to reduce induced drag and with a little modification work exceptionally better, interesting no doubt. Should intakes of jet fighters be contoured along this concept? To reduce fan blade ware and tear and smooth airflows to help produce maximum smooth and sustained inflows and thrust? The answer is yes. Most likely the compression and Bernoulli principle will not effect this only help it flow through by allowing the air to hug the surface and lower the boundary area. If we learn that such an effect compresses the air to a greater degree, while allowing it to flow, then that information is equally as valuable in hypersonic intakes and engines.
Wing tip vortices are so violent and move so much air we had even considered the wind energy potential to power up runway lights or blue tax lights. You may want to google that for a recent study which was done.
We should look into these ideas for aircraft fuselages and tail sections, as well as UAVs, smart munitions and airships. Is this something that should be taken into consideration on the 7E7? We know that wing tip vortices and wake turbulence have sound. Sound causes a signature, if we wish to reduce the signatures of sound the tops of the stealth UAVs might wish to have the wavy surface? A UUV or Submarine would also benefit by reducing it's acoustic signature since a submarines safety depends on not being able to be detected. There is much benefit to this concept for the insides of engine intake tubes to reduce harmonic damage, increase airflows and the friction associated with the boundary layer for temperatures. It also makes sense for the outside of a submarine hulls, Torpedoes, 18 Wheeler tanker trucks, blimps, nose cones on bullet trains, propeller blades or aircraft fuselages.
Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance;
A Caribbean cruise is the world's most popular cruise. The Caribbean islands are a dream destination and the journey is equally out of the world. The island chains with a delightful combination of modernity and natural resources are a heady mix. If you are a nature lover used to the modern way of life the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean cruise are perfect getaways for you.
A Caribbean cruise takes you to a land of lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Amidst the luxuries of the modern resort, you have the good fortune of experiencing the richness of the immaculate nature reserves. You witness nature in all its glory be it Puerto Rico's dense rain forest or the nesting grounds of flamingos on Bonaire's beaches. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean is just perfect for a swim in the sea, snorkeling or just basking on the beach. It is an ideal location for a nature or outdoor lover.
Caribbean cruises have their distinctive charm and characteristic appeal. The islands have a warm climate with some of the world's best beaches, exquisite marine life along with the amazing coral reef and exceptionally clean seas. Shopping is also an interesting feature with duty free prices.
The Caribbean cruises offer a wide choice for travelers from a two-day trip to a long voyage. It is up to you to choose which one you want to take. The Caribbean comprises of eastern, western and southern Caribbean. A seven days cruise lets you explore the varied flavor of these regions their culture, history and its people in general. Somewhere you find the French influence at another port you find British while you may come across Spanish resemblances all interwoven in the Caribbean style, a distinctive blend.
Caribbean cruises are nice family cruises if you time them right i.e. during your children's school holidays. All the year round, the cruises are organized. Holidays are the busiest periods, so plan ahead and book ahead. All the major lines offer number of routes and cruise itineraries for the Caribbean. You receive excellent food, attentive service, interesting historical tours of ancient ruins and a look at the distinctive culture on the way to the islands. Have a great time onboard relax on the deck, have fun at the entertainment centers and try your luck at the casino in the typical Las-Vegas style.
Caribbean cruise discovers for you beautiful concealed harbors and peaceful coves. It takes you to quiet and serene places away from the mad rush and maddening world. Explore the picturesque beauty of the sand beaches of St. John, the beauty of the sea caves around Virgin Gorda try your hand at yachting at St. Martin. Find yourself a nice bottle of French perfume in the peaceful streets of St. Barthelemy. Enjoy the music and the beats of Tortola's drums. Try your hand on snorkeling at Pigeon Island. Absorb the magnificence of the Barbados, Nevis, Anguilla and Martinique. You discover amazing beauty and character at every place you visit and just be a mute spectator of all the beauty and natural abundance surrounding you. Caribbean cruise are your passage to an enchanting world with enthralling experiences.
Looking for information about cruises? Go to: 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more cruise articles at:
Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world. Its attraction is overpowering - grand cities, relics of ancient civilizations and breathtaking scenery await European cruise passengers at almost every port of call. The variety is such that one visit to this part of the world is never enough - it'll have you coming back for more?again and again!
European cruises depart from most major seaports around Europe. They often cover a specific region of Europe, although some companies do offer a whirlwind tour of the major sites right around the European coastline.
Starting in Northern Europe, cruises around Scandinavia and the Baltic States are popular, especially those that take in the Norwegian fjords. Here, you can delight in stunning scenery where mountains rise up like towers in every direction, and where waterfalls and glaciers are almost within touching distance. There are majestic cities too. Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, home to the Uspenski Cathedral - the largest orthodox church in Western Europe - can all be built into a European cruise itinerary.
Northern Europe also has its fair share of specialist cruises. You can do a cruise of the Baltic palaces or simply enjoy Norway's awe-inspiring craggy coastline. A very popular Northern European cruise is a tour up the Scandinavian coastline into the Arctic Circle to view the 'midnight sun'.
A European cruise around Western Europe embraces the British Isles, Ireland, the Low Countries and France. Scottish castles, the emerald green landscapes of Ireland and a visit to a French vineyard and chateaux are just some of the highlights of a cruise around Western Europe. You could also build in visits to historic ports of call, such as Portsmouth in England, where Nelson's 'Victory' can be toured.
Moving further south into the Mediterranean Sea, a European cruise takes in the glory of the historical and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Portugal, Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey all have their own attractions. The colosseum of Rome, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Monaco's grandiose vista and the famous Turkish bazaars await all those who elect for a European cruise in the Mediterranean.
There are a number of specialist tours in the Mediterranean region too. You can enjoy the delights of classical Greece and its magnificent islands, or discover the magic of island hopping from the Balearic Islands in the west of the Mediterranean to Cyprus in the east.
A European cruise is a true voyage of discovery. Tour this region and you'll unearth the very soul of Europe and uncover a past that is rich in intrigue and drama.
John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
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