Prismatic Coefficient

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by hwsiii, Aug 9, 2009.

  1. tspeer
    Joined: Feb 2002
    Posts: 2,319
    Likes: 303, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 1673
    Location: Port Gamble, Washington, USA

    tspeer Senior Member

    There's another interpretation of PC, and that's how big the maximum cross section is for a given volume (which, of course, means a constant weight for the vessel). A PC of 1 has the smallest maximum cross section area. As the PC drops, the maximum cross section has to increase to make up for the volume lost at the ends (or anywhere else).

    I think this interpretation helps to make sense of why higher speed craft tend to have larger PCs. One would think that blunter ends would increase the wave drag, and they might, but there's a benefit to be had from the reduction in maximum cross section. At some point, the benefit from one is outweighed by the penalty from the other, hence there being an optimum PC that is a function of Froude number.
     
  2. Mat-C
    Joined: May 2007
    Posts: 255
    Likes: 12, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 141
    Location: Australia

    Mat-C Senior Member

    Tad eluded to something similar elsewhere.... do you have a reference, or an equation for determing the optimum PC?
    Thanks
     

  3. abhishek
    Joined: Sep 2009
    Posts: 34
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: india

    abhishek Junior Member

    prisamatic coefficient = block coefficient of finess/mid ship area coefficient
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.