Abstract
Various methods of measuring the speed, power, and drag of free-swimming 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 maximum measured speed was 11.05 m/sec (21.4 knots), which was reduced with exertion time period. Free-riding and thrust-aided swimming is discussed. The theoretical pressure distribution on fin cross-sections of three species is analyzed from several viewpoints, including cavitation and its implications on top speed.
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Lang, T.G. (1975). Speed, Power, And Drag Measurements of Dolphins and Porpoises. In: Wu, T.YT., Brokaw, C.J., Brennen, C. (eds) Swimming and Flying in Nature. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1326-8_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1326-8_5
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