Speed, Power, And Drag Measurements of Dolphins and Porpoises

Abstract

Various ITlethods of ITleasuring the speed, power, and drag of free-swiITlITling dolphins and porpoises are discussed. Results of several kinds of tests conducted in the 1960' s with three species of dolphins and porpoises are presented and analyzed. The ITlaxi-ITlUITl ITleasured speed was 11. 05 ITl/sec (21. 4 knots), which was reduced with exertion tiITle period. Free-riding and thrust-aided swiITlITling is discussed. The theoretical pressure distribution on fin cross-sections of three species is analyzed froITl several viewpoints, including cavitation and its iITlplications on top speed.