Scientific American Supplement, No. 717, September 28, 1889Various
Science
Scientific American Supplement, No. 717, September 28, 1889
Various
Science -- Periodicals
To test accuracy of form, the weight of model is carefully taken, and
the displacement at the intended trial draught accurately determined
from the plan of lines. The difference between the weight of model and
the displacement at the draught intended is then put into the bottom
of the model in the form of small bags of shot, and by unique and very
delicately constructed instruments for ascertaining the correct
draught, the smallest error can at once be detected and allowed for.
The models vary in size from about one-tenth to one-thirtieth of the
size of the actual ship. A model of the largest size can be produced
and its resistance determined at a number of speeds in about two days
or so. The mode of procedure in arranging the model for the resistance
experiment, after the model is afloat in the tank at the correct
draught and trim, consists in attaching to it a skillfully devised
dynamometric apparatus secured to a lightly constructed carriage. This
carriage traverses a railway which extends the whole length of the
tank about 15 in. or 18 in. above the water. The floating model is
carefully guided in its passage through the water by a delicate
device, keeping it from deviating either to the right or left, but at
the same time allowing a free vertical and horizontal motion. The
carriage with the model attached is propelled by means of an endless
steel wire rope, passing at each end of the tank around a drum, driven
by a small stationary engine, fitted with a very sensitive governor,
capable of being so adjusted that any required speed may be given to
the carriage and model. The resistance which the model encounters in
its passage through the water is communicated to a spiral spring, and
the extension this spring undergoes is a measure of the model's
resistance. The amount of the extension is recorded on a revolving
cylinder to a much enlarged scale through the medium of levers or bell
cranks supported by steel knife edges resting on rocking pieces. On
the same cylinder are registered "time" and "distance" diagrams, by
means of which a correct measure of the speed is obtained. The time
diagram is recorded by means of a clock attached to an electric
circuit, making contact every half second, and actuating a pen which
forms an indent in what would otherwise be a straight line on the
paper. The distance pen, by a similar arrangement, traces another line
on the cylinder in which are indents corresponding to fixed distances
of travel along the tank, the indents being caused by small
projections which strike a trigger at the bottom of the carriage as it
passes, and make electric contact. From these time and distance
diagrams accurate account can be taken of the speed at which the model
and its supporting carriage have been driven. Thus on the same
cylinder is recorded graphically the speed and resistance of the
model. The carriage may be driven at any assigned speed by adjusting
the governor of the driving engine already alluded to, but the record
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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