From Bulbous Bow to Free-Surface Shock Wave—Trends of 20 Years’ Research on Ship Waves at the Tokyo University Tank

Abstract

Trends of 20 years' research on ship waves at the Tokyo University Tank since 1960 are briefly sketched. Stress is focused on the importance of dialogues between man and nature. The process of these dialogues is exemplified by some typical cases, including the development of bulbous bows and the finding of free-surface shock waves. Wave-pattern pictures are shown to be indispensable for the initial stage of the di alogues, while wave contours and velocity-field measurements serve well in the second stage. The current wave analysis and wake survey may be the third. The relationship between "wavebreaking" and the "free-surface shock wave" is also discussed.