|
As was noted, icebreakers do not have bulbous bows because they use a method of riding up on top of the ice sheet and use the tonnage weight to crack and break the ice. Sometimes when the going gets tough then will back up and speed up and ram the ice.
On bulbs----Displacement yachts carry bulbs, from my experience, they create a low depression on both sides of the bow that are in contact with the water...allowing the bow to slice through better with 'less' friction. As was alluded to before it can save you some good money on fuel. I think it give good hydrodynamics too...Im not an expert but i think that is some general idea. As for whether they are full solid or hollow.....that is a good question!........However bulbs only work efficiently at certain speeds..they are good wave breakers though.
|