|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Rick,
I take it the front foil pivots no? Also what do the cables do? Are they running rigging or standing? I'm quite interested in the workings of this as well as the aquaskipper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9bmLv6iUj4 I'm currently designing a boat for kite/human power, hopefully to use in the WaterTribe Everglades challenge, and am thinking of using an oscillating foil in lieu of paddling for the human powered part. I'm actually thinking it may be possible to have a foil mechanism that doubles as a means of propulsion when the wind is calm and a flying foil when under sail. Think I could take a look next time I'm down your way? |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
The front foils pivot on an axle driven by the moment arm of the kneel attached to your calves. The rear fixed foils act as a stabilizer. The lines and central spring on the kneel provide slight tension to aid in the return on the foils during oscillation. Cal said once you start oscillating the foils you don't really need the return tension anymore. Guys have been using oscillating foils for propulsion concepts for sometime. I even recall one at the first manned UW sub races in Palm Beach. If you're going to be in town, send me a PM.
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Another look at DARPA's efforts to utilize the Aqueon concept using newer materials.
Here is their summary of the program: Program Manager: LtCol John Lowell, Ph.D. The PowerSwim program is developing highly efficient, human-powered swimming devices for use by combat and reconnaissance swimmers. This program explores a new concept in swimming propulsion that uses the same oscillating foil approach to swimming that is exhibited by many fish and aquatic birds. This propulsion approach is more than 80-percent efficient in conversion of human motions to forward propulsion. Typical recreational swim fins are no more than 15-percent efficient in their conversion of human exertion to propulsive power. This dramatic improvement in swimming efficiency will enable subsurface swimmers to move up to two times faster than is currently possible, thus improving swimmer performance, safety, and range. http://www.darpa.mil/dso/thrusts/bio...lly/powerswim/ The actual inventor of this concept and over 50 years ago, Cal Gongwer hosted about four pool parties in which DARPA staff examined, used and questioned Cal at length about the Aqueon. DARPA then proceeded to consume almost $3M of tax payer dollars in the mandated creation of "new" technology. No credit or compensation has been given to Cal by DARPA in any of this. Doesn't inspire much pride or confidence in this government agency. They even have a promotional video now:
__________________
FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi |
|
|