Wave drag and fluid resistance are distinct concepts in fluid dynamics. Wave drag refers specifically to the energy lost in creating waves when an object moves through a fluid, while fluid resistance encompasses skin friction, which is always present due to the interaction between the fluid and the object's surface. A fully submerged object, such as a submarine, experiences less wave drag compared to a partially submerged object, but skin friction remains constant regardless of submersion depth. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate calculations in naval architecture and fluid dynamics.
PREREQUISITESMarine engineers, naval architects, and students of fluid dynamics seeking to deepen their understanding of drag forces in fluid interactions.
FredGarvin said:I haven't heard of that specific term. They may be referring to the effects of a wave and it's interactions with the surfaces of two fluids, i.e. Froude Number and boat hull drag calculations.
FredGarvin said:Skin friction and wave drag are not the same thing. You will always have skin friction no matter what you do. That is due to the interaction of the fluid with the surface of the hull. Wave drag is due to the energy lost to make a wave.