On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 22:45:18 GMT, Brian Whatcott
wrote:

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:22:00 -0400, Rodney Myrvaagnes
wrote:

I am puzzled. What quantity approaches an asymptote and against what
independent variable?


Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC


Comments from the lunatic fringe aside: if one plots power versus
water speed for any water borne hull there is an upper limit to speed
no matter HOW much power is applied to the hull.

(motive power is ultimately limited by flotation. Speed is ultimately
limited by propeller immersion or hull stability)

Count me as lunatic fringe. I see planing boats every day.
What you describe is not an asymptotic relation.

Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

Hmmm...you feel that if a boat planes, then it has no upper speed
limit? 100 mph? 500 mph? 1000 mph?

And if you wish a planing hull to go faster, you merely fit a more
powerful engine: 100 HP? 1000 HP?? 10,000 HP??? 100,000 HP????


For any equilibrium speed, if you add thrust it will go faster, unless
it falls apart. I didn't say anything about how the thrust is applied.

If on further consideration, you might allow that there is SOME upper
power and speed for a given hull, then perhaps you might even describe
the relation as asymptotic?

No. Unless you can show an asymptotic function (mathematical) that
describes the situation.

I hold that the situation I describe, though fanciful, is aptly
called asymptotic. Telling me that my description is not asymptotic as
I describe it, is called an assertion "Ex Cathedra". How are your
ecclesiastical affiliations?

You may consider it an apt metaphor. I consider it a rather vague one.
In any case it is only a metaphor.


:-)

Brian Whatcott Altus OK



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music."