Subject: Re: [baidarka] baidarka speeds
From: Leonhardt, William J (wjleonhardt@bnl.gov)
Date: Mon Sep 20 2004 - 12:04:09 EDT
At 08:38 AM 9/20/2004 -0700, you wrote:
One thing that I wonder about concerning baidarka speed is the effect of
the traditional coverings on the old kayaks. Seal skin is very oily, and
apparently they oiled the skins frequently. Probably to keep them from
drying out, but I would think it would also make the boat slip through
the water a lot better as well.
When you look for whales, you can see oil spots on the water where they
have been. I would imagine this oil helps them achieve better speeds as
well.
I don't think oiling up the nylon is going to go over very well these
days however...
PM
-
About thirty years ago, I did research on the use of "drag reducing
polymers" in fluid flow applications. Low concentrations of
polyethylene-oxide (10 to 100ppm) in water significantly reduced the
flow friction. Potential applications, envisaged at that time,
included:
Reducing the take-off speed of hydro-foil vessels
Increasing the through-put of fire hoses
Increasing the efficiency of liquid heat exchange equipment
therefore I find it very easy to believe that oil from a baidarka shin
(or whale for that matter) can contribute to enhanced speed.
Bill Leonhardt
-
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