IBEX 2007

HydroComp Web Log

[efficiency in motion for over 20 years]

Notes from IBEX 2007
Miscellaneous Musings from the Technical Director

Friday, 1-NOV-2007 by Donald MacPherson - Technical Director

I hope that you'll forgive the few weeks that I have taken off from writing a blog article. As Stephanie noted in her previous article, this is a very busy time of year, with trade shows, conferences, my university teaching, and end-of-year product development and planning.

So, let me make a few comments about my trip to IBEX 2007 in Miami Beach. In addition to finding that one of the more convenient restaurants also served my new favorite beer (Smithwicks - that's "smith-icks" to the faithful), I was also involved in more productive pursuits.

As you might already know, I delivered a new presentation - "Hull form hydrodynamics: A practical primer". We had a full crowd, and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share this time. It was a bit of a different kind of presentation for me, as it was focused on fundamental principles of flow, wave-making and drag. No discussion about numerical prediction methods, propellers, waterjets, or sea-trials - just the basics.

Of course, I did get to spend time withy many fellow propeller-heads from around the world, including discussions about our new correction for cambered propeller performance with Greg MacKay of Hall & Stavert. I also had nice chats with friends from VEEM, Austral Propeller, Michigan Wheel, and Teignbridge. (If you ever get directions from an Aussie, remember that they are upside down - do exactly the opposite of what they tell you!)

On a final note, I had a very nice extended discussion about online training with Barbara Jean Walsh, the Seminar Manager for IBEX. We are pondering if we should do a "point-counterpoint" presentation for next year. I get to be the "cranky one". I can't wait.