Hydrodynamics and aerodynamics - Cross fertilisation in research and design

Areas of intersection between theory and applications in hydrodynamics and aerodynamics are investigated. Fluid mechanics principles involve the minimization of drag and considers the energy exchange between a craft and its wake, which leads to boundary layer examinations. The effects of surface roughness and of turbulent boundary layers are applicable to both seagoing and airborne craft, as are flow separation and vortical flows. Boundary layer control and reenergizing of the boundary layer with redirected vortex energy are discussed. Vortex interaction studies are prominent in the design of offshore oil rig platforms, where orbital wave motion is equivalent to vortex occurrence, and interaction is modelled as flow over a cylinder. Descriptions are given of the design of foil-like shapes, wind-propelled commercial ships, and other applications are presented.