Rodney Myrvaagnes ) writes:
On 1 Nov 2003 13:28:49 GMT, (William R.
Watt) wrote:


no, there's got to be a formula relating wind speed, sail area, and
horsepower.
--

Such a formula could be generated, In fact, a vast family of such
formulas could be generated, all equally valid, and all giving
different results.

The assumptions required to generate such a formula swamp any results
that might be derived from it.

yes, but that's true of most things in nature and yet applied mathematics
works. for example, formulae are used to design aeroplane wings. the two
approaches used are to make the most appropriate assumptions and verify by
testing. the results only have to be accurate enough to be effective
design tools.






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