Physics Question
 

Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Physics Question
 

On 30 May 2004 17:39:14 GMT, obull (CCred68046)
wrote:

Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Where did it snap? Whatever portion of the rope is still attached to
either boat will go toward that boat.

Steve

Physics Question
 

Some background before stating the answer:

The break will occur at the weakest point in the rope. This can be at any
location on the rope. This will leave two ends to be considered separately.
The primary motive force will be the initial elastic deformation of the
rope. At each rope segment contacts it will be drawn to the fixed attachment
point. The accelerating force may be in the magnitude of tons, and the mass
of the rope is likely to be very low in relation to this force. This
suggests that the rope may experience a large acceleration.

There are other forces involved. The inertia of the initial movement of the
rope will be dwarfed the movement induced by the initial tension on the
rope. As the rope contracts, any torsion induced by the lay of the rope will
tend to cause it to twist and coil. Any air movement, or relative air
movement because of boat motions, will further modify the movement of the
rope. Unless the boats are traveling very fast, or in a very high wind, the
initial contraction will be the largest force. As the rope decelerates due
to air friction, the relative air movement may become the final deciding
factor in how the rope moves. Or the stored energy in the flying rope end
may be transfer to any object that it runs into, such as the foolish captain
that tried to tow a boat with a rope that was clearly too small to do the
job.

The final answer:
The remainder of the rope on each end of the break will be drawn towards the
boat to which it is attached.

Mark Browne

"CCred68046" wrote in message
...
Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with
a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Physics Question
 

mark gives us gives us the Art History major version. If you are also an Art
History major, accept it. If not, ignore it. If you are a humorist, chuckle.

Some background before stating the answer:

The break will occur at the weakest point in the rope. This can be at any
location on the rope. This will leave two ends to be considered separately.
The primary motive force will be the initial elastic deformation of the
rope. At each rope segment contacts it will be drawn to the fixed attachment
point. The accelerating force may be in the magnitude of tons, and the mass
of the rope is likely to be very low in relation to this force. This
suggests that the rope may experience a large acceleration.

There are other forces involved. The inertia of the initial movement of the
rope will be dwarfed the movement induced by the initial tension on the
rope. As the rope contracts, any torsion induced by the lay of the rope will
tend to cause it to twist and coil. Any air movement, or relative air
movement because of boat motions, will further modify the movement of the
rope. Unless the boats are traveling very fast, or in a very high wind, the
initial contraction will be the largest force. As the rope decelerates due
to air friction, the relative air movement may become the final deciding
factor in how the rope moves. Or the stored energy in the flying rope end
may be transfer to any object that it runs into, such as the foolish captain
that tried to tow a boat with a rope that was clearly too small to do the
job.

The final answer:
The remainder of the rope on each end of the break will be drawn towards the
boat to which it is attached.

Mark Browne

"CCred68046" wrote in message
...
Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with
a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Physics Question
 

Both free ends will recoil, with the longest section of rope recoiling with
the greatest force.

"Steven Shelikoff" wrote in message
...
On 30 May 2004 17:39:14 GMT, obull (CCred68046)
wrote:

Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other with
a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it
snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Where did it snap? Whatever portion of the rope is still attached to
either boat will go toward that boat.

Steve

Physics Question
 

Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
mark gives us gives us the Art History major version. If you are also an
Art
History major, accept it. If not, ignore it. If you are a humorist,
chuckle.

Some background before stating the answer:

The break will occur at the weakest point in the rope. This can be at any
location on the rope. This will leave two ends to be considered
separately.
The primary motive force will be the initial elastic deformation of the
rope. At each rope segment contacts it will be drawn to the fixed
attachment
point. The accelerating force may be in the magnitude of tons, and the
mass
of the rope is likely to be very low in relation to this force. This
suggests that the rope may experience a large acceleration.

There are other forces involved. The inertia of the initial movement of
the
rope will be dwarfed the movement induced by the initial tension on the
rope. As the rope contracts, any torsion induced by the lay of the rope
will
tend to cause it to twist and coil. Any air movement, or relative air
movement because of boat motions, will further modify the movement of the
rope. Unless the boats are traveling very fast, or in a very high wind,
the
initial contraction will be the largest force. As the rope decelerates
due
to air friction, the relative air movement may become the final deciding
factor in how the rope moves. Or the stored energy in the flying rope end
may be transfer to any object that it runs into, such as the foolish
captain
that tried to tow a boat with a rope that was clearly too small to do the
job.

The final answer:
The remainder of the rope on each end of the break will be drawn towards
the
boat to which it is attached.

Mark Browne

"CCred68046" wrote in message
...
Theoretical Situation: Two identical boats. One is towing the other
with
a
small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it
snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

Physics Question
 

Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

Physics Question
 

Also Sprach JAXAshby :
mark gives us gives us the Art History major version. If you are also an Art
History major, accept it. If not, ignore it. If you are a humorist, chuckle.

And Jax gives us the Asshat version. If you are an Asshat, accept it. If
not, ignore it.

Dan

--
So Pikachu walks around muttering "Pikachu! Pikachu! Pikachu!"
like a sad, deranged grandfather high on helium.

-- The Self Made Critic

Physics Question
 

On Sun, 30 May 2004 20:40:06 GMT, "Mark Browne"
wrote:

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

===================================

All things fly very high in JaxWorld.

The fuel is unknown but we could make some educated guesses.

Physics Question
 

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

Jax,

You have demonstrated that the scientists on JaxWorld have heard statements
relating to Static's, but they are still struggling to learn what they mean.
Have the researchers on JaxWorld heard about the branch of mechanical
engineering known as Dynamics? If it would be helpful I can point you to
some nice engineering texts that might help you understand these strange new
concepts.

Until then, I can help you understand a little bit about these strange new
ideas.

In a state of STATIC balance, your statement would be true.
Just before the rope parted the entire towing force was transferred through
the rope. The rope obeys hooke's law, where the stress of the towing effort
results in strain in the rope. The rope strains in elastic deformation. I
know that this might be a little tough for you to follow, but in this
situation, the rope is a spring.

Our friends at google can help you learn about this Hooke's law thing:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&i...7s+law&spell=1
Any one of the first ten links should do the job.

As the rope parts the static's view is no longer valid; we enter the new
land of ACCELERATION and MOTION.
The energy stored in the rope (as elastic deformation) is released when the
rope parts. This stored energy acts to accelerate the rope. The force stored
in the rope acts against the fixed support to accelerate the rope.
(Considering the relative mass of the boat and the rope, we can safely
ignore the effect on the boats for this discussion) The rope reaches is
maximum speed when the stored energy is fully converted to motion.

Back to your original message quoted above, you should have paid a little
more attention to your high school physics class.
I belive that the statement you where groping for was Newton's third law :

"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

In subtle but important ways, this is different from the rule you offered.
If you wish learn more about the issue, this little primer may do the trick:
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssc...aws/u2l4a.html

Have a nice day,

Mark Browne

Physics Question
 

gene, WTF are you talking about?

Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

Physics Question
 

JAXAshby wrote:

gene, WTF are you talking about?


Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide











It's a Jax Gotcha, Jax.

Physics Question
 

yeah, you gotta believe marshall banana, who takes as his screen persona
identifier that of a dildo with a little boy's cowboy sheriff badge.

Also Sprach JAXAshby :
mark gives us gives us the Art History major version. If you are also an
Art
History major, accept it. If not, ignore it. If you are a humorist,
chuckle.

And Jax gives us the Asshat version. If you are an Asshat, accept it. If
not, ignore it.

Dan

--
So Pikachu walks around muttering "Pikachu! Pikachu! Pikachu!"
like a sad, deranged grandfather high on helium.

-- The Self Made Critic

Physics Question
 

force is the word I wished to use, and is the word I did use, because it is
accurate.

nice to see, mark, that an Art History major can learn how to google, but it
shows once again that a tiny bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Your
explanation is all over the place and shows you lack a basic understanding of
the issue. kinda sad, too, because it is not particularly difficult.

wanna tell us about the difference in style of mid 16th century Flemish oil
paintings as compared to early 17th century?

Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

Jax,

You have demonstrated that the scientists on JaxWorld have heard statements
relating to Static's, but they are still struggling to learn what they mean.
Have the researchers on JaxWorld heard about the branch of mechanical
engineering known as Dynamics? If it would be helpful I can point you to
some nice engineering texts that might help you understand these strange new
concepts.

Until then, I can help you understand a little bit about these strange new
ideas.

In a state of STATIC balance, your statement would be true.
Just before the rope parted the entire towing force was transferred through
the rope. The rope obeys hooke's law, where the stress of the towing effort
results in strain in the rope. The rope strains in elastic deformation. I
know that this might be a little tough for you to follow, but in this
situation, the rope is a spring.

Our friends at google can help you learn about this Hooke's law thing:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&i...ff&q=hooke%27s
+law&spell=1
Any one of the first ten links should do the job.

As the rope parts the static's view is no longer valid; we enter the new
land of ACCELERATION and MOTION.
The energy stored in the rope (as elastic deformation) is released when the
rope parts. This stored energy acts to accelerate the rope. The force stored
in the rope acts against the fixed support to accelerate the rope.
(Considering the relative mass of the boat and the rope, we can safely
ignore the effect on the boats for this discussion) The rope reaches is
maximum speed when the stored energy is fully converted to motion.

Back to your original message quoted above, you should have paid a little
more attention to your high school physics class.
I belive that the statement you where groping for was Newton's third law :

"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

In subtle but important ways, this is different from the rule you offered.
If you wish learn more about the issue, this little primer may do the trick:
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssc...aws/u2l4a.html

Have a nice day,

Mark Browne

Physics Question
 

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
snip
wanna tell us about the difference in style of mid 16th century Flemish
oil
paintings as compared to early 17th century?

snip
THey have art in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

Physics Question
 

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
force is the word I wished to use, and is the word I did use, because it
is
accurate.

nice to see, mark, that an Art History major can learn how to google, but
it
shows once again that a tiny bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Your
explanation is all over the place and shows you lack a basic understanding
of
the issue. kinda sad, too, because it is not particularly difficult.

snip
Jax,

I am SOOO ashamed! Is it that obvious that my background in electronics and
programming has not prepared me for these difficult mechanical topics?

As you can see that I am need of you expert guidance; please enlighten me in
the ways of flying rope. You state that it is really quite simple so you
should have no trouble laying it out. Be detailed, as I clearly don't have a
clue, and I seem to have trouble connecting the dots.

You noted that google is not really showing that you know things yourself,
so feel free to demonstrate your knowledge and use you own words.

Unless of course, you really have no clue in how these things work.

Mark Browne
P.S. My 10 cents says that Jax runs away in fear - I expect some sort of
non-committal statement and nothing more on the topic! Anybody want to take
that bet?

Physics Question
 

no, hoary, gene has lost any contact with reality on that one. maybe he was
watching the fat lady next hoping she would bend over towards him and give him
a flash of upper breast.

JAXAshby wrote:

gene, WTF are you talking about?


Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/
Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats
Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide











It's a Jax Gotcha, Jax.

Physics Question
 

THey have art in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne


no, they have physics and books in JaxWorld. they have 16th century art
history and TV in MackiesWorld.

Physics Question
 

I am SOOO ashamed!

really? I figured you, markie, to be utterly lacking in affect.

Is it that obvious that my background in electronics and
programming has not prepared me for these difficult mechanical topics?

if we are to judge your background by what you posted, then Yes your background
has not prepared you in the slightest.

I am need of you expert guidance; please enlighten me in
the ways of flying rope.

you have been already. But, it seems, you lack the capability to comprehend.

You noted that google is not really showing that you know things yourself,

I noted what?

Physics Question
 

Also Sprach JAXAshby :
yeah, you gotta believe marshall banana, who takes as his screen persona
identifier that of a dildo with a little boy's cowboy sheriff badge.

My full name does not fit in the title bar of my newsreader.

Sincereley,

Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV


--
It's better to be quotable than to be honest.

-- Tom Stoppard

Physics Question
 

heeeeeeey, gene, I like breasts too, but I never confuse them with physics.


On 01 Jun 2004 00:21:14 GMT, (JAXAshby) wrote:

no, hoary, gene has lost any contact with reality on that one. maybe he was
watching the fat lady next hoping she would bend over towards him and give
him
a flash of upper breast.

JAXAshby wrote:

gene, WTF are you talking about?


Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?


It's a Jax Gotcha, Jax.


For someone who is supposedly so astute in high school physics and
should have *some* short term memory left...... your cluelessness
shouts volumes....

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

Physics Question
 

sure.

:
yeah, you gotta believe marshall banana, who takes as his screen persona
identifier that of a dildo with a little boy's cowboy sheriff badge.

My full name does not fit in the title bar of my newsreader.

Sincereley,

Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV


--
It's better to be quotable than to be honest.

-- Tom Stoppard

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

small diameter (undersized for the job) 30' rope.

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?

Should it snap back towards the boat in tow (the load). Or should it snap
toward the boat pulling the load (the force)?

I was always taught that you look at the worst case first, in other words
the rope snaps in the center. And in that case the ropes will snap to their
respective tie points

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

Nylon rope acts like a rubber band so you can experiment safely with small
versions without having any serious harm. (wear eye protection)
The worst case with a tow line is when the cleat pulls out. That will come back
like a missile and can punch a hole in your boat.
It can certainly spoil your day. The general rule is to give any line under a
strain a wide berth.

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?


you guys are nuts. what the hell way *can* the rope go? It is tied solidly at
each end, it breaks somewhere in between. You think the rope is going to untie
itself so it can follow the other broken piece?

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?


you guys are nuts. what the hell way *can* the rope go? It is tied
solidly at
each end, it breaks somewhere in between. You think the rope is going to
untie
itself so it can follow the other broken piece?

When the rope snaps from reading your extremely stupid reply, it will go get
a gun and come after you.

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

cal if billy,

YOU are nuts. did you ever finally graduate third grade?

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?


you guys are nuts. what the hell way *can* the rope go? It is tied
solidly at
each end, it breaks somewhere in between. You think the rope is going to
untie
itself so it can follow the other broken piece?

When the rope snaps from reading your extremely stupid reply, it will go get
a gun and come after you.

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

bass kisser informs one and all of what a fine human being he is and
well-informed he is on ordinary things well understood by high school
sophomores thusly:

Question: When the rope snaps, which way will it go?


you guys are nuts. what the hell way *can* the rope go? It is tied
solidly at
each end, it breaks somewhere in between. You think the rope is going to
untie
itself so it can follow the other broken piece?

I see by your ignorant statement that you know nothing of vector
mechanics and or physics, huh?

Physics Question
 

Also Sprach JAXAshby :

My full name does not fit in the title bar of my newsreader.

Sincereley,

Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV

sure.

Sorry, I lied. My name is Valentinez Alkalinella Xifax Sicidabohertz
Gombigobilla Blue Stradivari Talentrent Pierre Andri Charton-Haymoss
Ivanovici Baldeus George Doitzel Kaiser the Third.

Don't hesitate to call.

So, did you ever find your way to the locks on the Shinnecock canal?

--
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
Do not walk beside me, either.
In fact, just leave me the hell alone.

Physics Question
 

Marshall Banana wrote:

[ ]

Physics Question
 

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
Marshall Banana wrote:

[ ]


Marshall,

You should feel honored!

Your clever wit broke down his defenses; Jax just shared with you the sum
total of what he knows about physics, ropes and how that relates to towing.

Mark Browne

Physics Question
 

"Mark Browne" wrote thus:

[snip the unimportant stuff]


..

Physics Question
 

(JAXAshby) wrote in message ...
heeeeeeey, gene, I like breasts too, but I never confuse them with physics.


On 01 Jun 2004 00:21:14 GMT, (JAXAshby) wrote:

no, hoary, gene has lost any contact with reality on that one. maybe he was
watching the fat lady next hoping she would bend over towards him and give
him
a flash of upper breast.

JAXAshby wrote:

gene, WTF are you talking about?


Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?


It's a Jax Gotcha, Jax.


For someone who is supposedly so astute in high school physics and
should have *some* short term memory left...... your cluelessness
shouts volumes....

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide








Jax understands neither physics nor engineering. Marks analysis is
correct. If you do not believe him, do the experiment.

Physics Question
 

parallax (da whora), did you learn that while getting your Electrical
Engineering degree in Physics?

From: (Parallax)
Date: 6/4/2004 12:24 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id:

(JAXAshby) wrote in message
...
heeeeeeey, gene, I like breasts too, but I never confuse them with physics.


On 01 Jun 2004 00:21:14 GMT, (JAXAshby) wrote:

no, hoary, gene has lost any contact with reality on that one. maybe he
was
watching the fat lady next hoping she would bend over towards him and
give
him
a flash of upper breast.

JAXAshby wrote:

gene, WTF are you talking about?


Jax,

How do broken ropes fly in JaxWorld?

Mark Browne

"for each force there is an equal and opposite force"

So...... if you are towing with an undersized chain, which deck gets
ripped off and which direction does it fly?


It's a Jax Gotcha, Jax.


For someone who is supposedly so astute in high school physics and
should have *some* short term memory left...... your cluelessness
shouts volumes....

--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/
Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where
Southport,NC
is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats
Rec.boats
at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide








Jax understands neither physics nor engineering. Marks analysis is
correct. If you do not believe him, do the experiment.

Physics Question
 

Also Sprach Mark Browne :

Your clever wit broke down his defenses; Jax just shared with you the sum
total of what he knows about physics, ropes and how that relates to towing.

Towing? He doesn't think there are locks on the Shinnecock canal. He
thinks Manhattan is an island in the Atlantic Ocean. He thinks a 1957
Johnson 35 hp, 1954 Johnson 25 hp, and 1961 Johnson 40 hp do not use the
same magneto coil. He thinks the Algae-X corporation does not have a
published street address, city, state, phone number, or owner. He thinks
he looks sexy in a Speedo. What could he possibly know about towing?

Sincerely,

Vicoroy of Mexico, Don Juan Vicente de Guemez, Pacheso de Padilla,
Orcasitas y Aguayo, Conde de Revilla Gigedo.


--
The Creation of the Universe was made possible by
a grant from Texas Instruments.

-from "The Creation of the Universe" on PBS

Physics Question
 

"Marshall Banana" wrote in message
...
Also Sprach Mark Browne :

Your clever wit broke down his defenses; Jax just shared with you the
sum
total of what he knows about physics, ropes and how that relates to
towing.

Towing? He doesn't think there are locks on the Shinnecock canal. He
thinks Manhattan is an island in the Atlantic Ocean. He thinks a 1957
Johnson 35 hp, 1954 Johnson 25 hp, and 1961 Johnson 40 hp do not use the
same magneto coil. He thinks the Algae-X corporation does not have a
published street address, city, state, phone number, or owner. He thinks
he looks sexy in a Speedo. What could he possibly know about towing?

Sincerely,

Vicoroy of Mexico, Don Juan Vicente de Guemez, Pacheso de Padilla,
Orcasitas y Aguayo, Conde de Revilla Gigedo.


--
The Creation of the Universe was made possible by
a grant from Texas Instruments.

-from "The Creation of the Universe" on PBS

It's not some much "learning something" from his posts, as you have no doubt
learned that physics in JaxWorld is not consistent with the know universe;
nothing he says has any relevance to this planet

The real value is the considerable entertainment value; I don't know how he
does it; maybe he read one too many "Bizarro" Superman comics. I don't even
have the mental flexibility to come up with this stuff from scratch. This is
just good stuff!

You missed his contributions of the topics on gyro compasses, dead
reckoning, hull speed, and of late, anchor rodes.

I may have missed a few of his rants; Google for them, it's worth the
effort.

Sadly, this entertainment may be coming to an end. Perhaps it is starting
to filter in to him that not everybody is playing with the same cards dealt
to him. Of late, no mater how you bait him, Jax keeps his colorful
explanations to himself. The heart troubles may have weakened him; instead
of the odd "profound statements," He is reduced to feeble personal attacks.

Mark Browne
P.S. The only saving grace in JaxWorld is that there does not seem to be any
politics. Thank God for small miracles.

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

The worst case with a tow line is when the cleat pulls out. That will come
back
like a missile and can punch a hole in your boat.
It can certainly spoil your day.

I figured that a cleat coming back on a nylon rope was a bad thing. Nylon
is good for towing, since it has some stretch and will even out the strain
of waves and uneven pulling. I haven't done much heavy towing, but I
thought that if I ever did I would tie a fender at the middle of the tow
line. if the line broke or a cleat pulled out the fender would act as a
brake to absorb some of the snapback of the whole line. Of course if the
break was at the fender both ends would snap back towards the vessels.
BTW, you're not supposed to tow with or from a cleat. Use the bow eye and
the stern rings. Rig up a yoke to even out the pull between the two stern
rings, which then share the load and help keep the towboat straight(assuming
that you don't use a slip knot).

Physics Question, rope snaping
 

the towed boat is supposed to use a tying arrangement (I forget the name) that
allows quick release should the towing boat start to move to fast.


I figured that a cleat coming back on a nylon rope was a bad thing. Nylon
is good for towing, since it has some stretch and will even out the strain
of waves and uneven pulling. I haven't done much heavy towing, but I
thought that if I ever did I would tie a fender at the middle of the tow
line. if the line broke or a cleat pulled out the fender would act as a
brake to absorb some of the snapback of the whole line. Of course if the
break was at the fender both ends would snap back towards the vessels.
BTW, you're not supposed to tow with or from a cleat. Use the bow eye and
the stern rings. Rig up a yoke to even out the pull between the two stern
rings, which then share the load and help keep the towboat straight(assuming
that you don't use a slip knot).