Some improvements and comparisons in the solution of the Neumann-Kelvin problem

This paper extends previous work by Baar & Price, Newman, and Doctors & Bec k for the calculation of the Kelvin source and its derivatives and their us e 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 numeri cal tests, for submerged bodies and for the Wigley hull. However, Baar & Pr ice's own results for the Wigley hull, which compared well with experiments , could not be duplicated. The study removes to some extent numerical inacc uracies as a postulated source of the theory's difficulties, leading to the conclusion that the Neumann-Kelvin theory as it is currently understood do es not give satisfactory wave resistance results for idealized ship hullfor ms.