Compare And Contrast The Forces Of Physics And Hydrodynamics
Question
What forces of physics and hydrodynamics are applied to surfboard shaping, and how do they affect the design of certain components?
Rationale
Surfing has always been my passion. I believe that there is more behind the surfboard than simply a company or local surf shop manufacturing a board based on previous designs and what feels the best for the surfer. More specifically, that certain forces of physics and hydrodynamics are applied to crafting a surfboard. I aspire to obtain more knowledge on the science behind shaping a surfboard.
Professional and recreational surfers look for a surfboard that will enhance their performance. For many, this means less drag, a balanced lift, and more or less buoyancy, depending on their preferences. …show more content…
Lift keeps the board at a desired angle above water, and is needed when turning direction of the board (McCagh 20). Pressure on certain areas of a surfboard creates two types of lift: buoyant lift and dynamic lift (Hendricks Part II 84). Dynamic lift results from the pressure created by the passage of water under the surfboard (Hendricks Part II 84). It is proportional to the angle of attack, which determines the amount of drag (Hendricks Part II 84). It is preferred to reduce such an angle that still will have a defined buoyant lift, lift that results from the displacement of water (Hendricks Part II 84). This would also give the surfboard more speed and less form drag (McCagh …show more content…
In this case, a surf board designer would favor a board that has a greater rocker and down turned rails to provide a tail lift (Design, Hendricks Part II 84, Surfboard Design Guide Newsletters). Using asymmetric fins creates a lift as it pulls the surfboards fins into the wave (McCagh 21). For a balance between drag and lift the design of a surfboard would have a moderate rocker, shorter length, and down turned rails (Design, Surfboard Design Guide Newsletters, McCagh 18). More than one combination of designs can be applied to the structure of a surfboard based on the preferences of a
What forces of physics and hydrodynamics are applied to surfboard shaping, and how do they affect the design of certain components?
Rationale
Surfing has always been my passion. I believe that there is more behind the surfboard than simply a company or local surf shop manufacturing a board based on previous designs and what feels the best for the surfer. More specifically, that certain forces of physics and hydrodynamics are applied to crafting a surfboard. I aspire to obtain more knowledge on the science behind shaping a surfboard.
Professional and recreational surfers look for a surfboard that will enhance their performance. For many, this means less drag, a balanced lift, and more or less buoyancy, depending on their preferences. …show more content…
Lift keeps the board at a desired angle above water, and is needed when turning direction of the board (McCagh 20). Pressure on certain areas of a surfboard creates two types of lift: buoyant lift and dynamic lift (Hendricks Part II 84). Dynamic lift results from the pressure created by the passage of water under the surfboard (Hendricks Part II 84). It is proportional to the angle of attack, which determines the amount of drag (Hendricks Part II 84). It is preferred to reduce such an angle that still will have a defined buoyant lift, lift that results from the displacement of water (Hendricks Part II 84). This would also give the surfboard more speed and less form drag (McCagh …show more content…
In this case, a surf board designer would favor a board that has a greater rocker and down turned rails to provide a tail lift (Design, Hendricks Part II 84, Surfboard Design Guide Newsletters). Using asymmetric fins creates a lift as it pulls the surfboards fins into the wave (McCagh 21). For a balance between drag and lift the design of a surfboard would have a moderate rocker, shorter length, and down turned rails (Design, Surfboard Design Guide Newsletters, McCagh 18). More than one combination of designs can be applied to the structure of a surfboard based on the preferences of a