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ITTC-57 Friction Coefficient

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The agreed frictional-resistance coefficient in model-to-ship correlation.

Formula

$$ \text{Re} = \frac{V \cdot L_\text{pp}}{\nu}, \quad C_F = \frac{0.075}{(\log_{10} \text{Re} - 2)^2} $$

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$\text{Re}$Reynolds number-intermediate
$V$Ship speedm / sderived from kn × 0.5144
$L_\text{pp}$Length between perpendiculars (or LWL)mhydrostatics
$\nu$Kinematic viscosity of waterm² / sITTC table - sea 15 °C = 1.189 × 10⁻⁶
$C_F$Frictional-resistance coefficient-result

ITTC-57 is an engineering compromise, not a first-principles turbulent-plate formula. Hull-roughness and bilge-keel allowances are added as separate $\Delta C_F$ increments in the Appendage & Roughness calculator.

Sources

  • ITTC - Recommended Procedures and Guidelines (7.5-02-03).
  • Molland, Turnock & Hudson - Ship Resistance and Propulsion.