Some Improvements and Comparisons in the Solution of the Neumann-Kelvin Problem

This paper extends previous work by Baar & Price, Newman, and Doctors & Beck for the calculation of the Kelvin source and its derivatives and their use in a panel method for predicting wave drag. Particular attention is paid to the accuracy and convergence of the Baar & Price approach, complementing the study of these aspects of their own method made by Doctors & Beck. It is shown that the two methods provide consistent results for various numerical tests, for submerged bodies and for the Wigley hull. However, Baar & Price's own results for the Wigley hull, which compared well with experiments, could not be duplicated. The study removes to some extent numerical inaccuracies as a postulated source of the theory's difficulties, leading to the conclusion that the Neumann-Kelvin theory as it is currently understood does not give satisfactory wave resistance results for idealized ship hullforms.