Biomimetics and Proas

[DrCraze]

I am currently building a mold for a proa and I have done a few things different.
I have shaped the hull to mimic a sailfish with a slight hourglass shape instead of the traditional foil shape. Next I have scalloped the stem sections with tubercles to mimic humpback fins.
Has anyone ever tried this?

[messabout]

The Mae West shape is said to work on transonic and supersonic aircraft. But on a boat??? What is the rationale for such a design departure? Tubercles ? Why?

[Leo Lazauskas]

Originally Posted by DrCraze

I am currently building a mold for a proa and I have done a few things different.
I have shaped the hull to mimic a sailfish with a slight hourglass shape instead of the traditional foil shape. Next I have scalloped the stem sections with tubercles to mimic humpback fins.
Has anyone ever tried this?

I'd call it "selective" biomimetics. You have taken some features of interest from animals, but ignored the fact that fish and whales are not rigid solid objects. Tubercules and fish shapes work for animals because they can change shape through flexing and flapping. Furthermore, they have internal feedback systems that can coordinate the complex interactions. You have essentially created a bumpy stick. But I guess you can label it as "biomimetic" too

Leo.

[DrCraze]

This is merely an experiment. A large scale experiment I may even add some dimpling on the surfaces where you normal see large flow separation. I have nearly completed the male mold for the hull and I will be able to create an identical hull without any biomimetic modifications for comparison. This is all in fun but I think I will be seeing some interesting results.

[DrCraze]

Originally Posted by Leo Lazauskas

You have essentially created a bumpy stick. But I guess you can label it as "biomimetic" too

Leo.

Which ones faster? the bumpy one or the smooth one? Lets find out