Page:Aerial Flight - Volume 1 - Aerodynamics - Frederick Lanchester - 1906.djvu/54

§ 24 solids of revolution, which may be taken as the equivalent of the original form in each case. Some doubt exists as to the exact form in the region of the head, owing to the water entering the gills. The effect of this is very evident in the case of the trout (Fig. 12), where the form has been "made good" by a dotted line.

For the purpose of comparison outline elevations are given in Fig. 14 of three types of Whitehead torpedo. These are forms that have been developed by long experience, but the shape is largely dictated by special considerations. The bluff form of head, for example, in models A and C is adopted in order to bring the explosive charge into as close proximity as possible to the object attacked. It probably also gives a form that is more easily steered.

§ 25. Streamline Form.—Theory and Practice Compared.—Before a rigid comparison can be instituted between the theoretical results of § 23 and the actual forms found in nature considerable further information is required. We do not know with accuracy the speeds for which the different fish forms have been designed or are best adapted. We also lack knowledge on certain other important points. The present comparison must therefore be confined to generalities.

In the first place, we may take it that the conclusion as to the bluffer form being that suited to greater viscosity is fully borne out in practice, though the whole of the considerations bearing on this point are not here available. It is explained in Chap. II, that the viscosity divided hy density (or kinematic viscosity) is the proper criterion in such a case as that under discussion, and on this basis air is far more viscous than water, so that we shall expect to find aerial forms bluffer in their lines than aqueous forms. Taking the solid of revolution as the basis of comparison, we have in the case of the herring and the trout the length approximately seven times the maximum diameter. The general ratio found amongst bird forms is about three or four to one, the