Do those things even do anything? I can't figure out how putting MORE stuff in the water would be better for a ship. Now yachts have these things too!
2007-02-08 04:18:44 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
It lessens the resistance of the bow wave in displacement vessels. This increases fuel efficiency.
2007-02-08 12:56:59 · answer #1 · answered by Campo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A protrusion below the waterline forward is called a bulbous bow and is fitted on some hulls to reduce the wave making resistance drag and thus increase fuel efficiency. Bulbs fitted at the stern are less common but accomplish a similar task.
2007-02-08 07:34:45 · answer #2 · answered by James 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it has more to do with the hydrostatic forces exerted on the bow in the case of heavy seas.Flat surfaces are much more susceptible to deforming when exposed to the immense pressure of wave action on a vessel " making way ". The dome is a superior shape in that regard. I once worked on repairing a freighter that had had an eighteen foot section of non-bulbous bow torn out by a 60 foot wave, rounding Cape Horn. That steel was 4 inches thick.
2007-02-08 04:44:21 · answer #3 · answered by lurned1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supposedly the bulbous bows make the boat run smoother, the design of the stern also helps as well as stabilizers, passage-maker magazine had an interesting article on bulbous bows, i think it was the last issue.
2007-02-08 05:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by johnkmayer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They cause the water to part before the bow has to cut through the water. this increases speed and reduces drag which gives you boat more fuel economy. the bulb is hydrodynamic and heaves the water away from the bow cutting edge. The system works and is standard in the marine industry where fuel economy is a big concern.
2007-02-08 06:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by brian L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it breaks the water ahead of the ships, limiting the force on the ships. this is making great fuel savings.
2007-02-08 04:43:30 · answer #6 · answered by catchup 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you cant figger but wind and water tunnels dont lie...i think the bulb pushes the water away from the boat for less friction on the length of the boat..you'r right.. weird
2007-02-08 04:22:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
more open space for flotation? There's lots of weight overhead, but very little under water displacement. Might counteract hogging some.
2007-02-08 06:32:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think they're the reproductive organ of the ship.
2007-02-08 07:19:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋