The Science of Water
The Dock Stabilization System (DSS) leverages water resistance and hydraulic drag to enhance its effectiveness as wave size increases. Larger waves exert greater force on the dock's underside, causing it to rise faster. This rapid movement amplifies the DSS's resistance exponentially, due to the quadratic relationship between drag force and velocity, as described by the drag equation:
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​Fd = ½ρCdAv²
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​Where: ρ = water density, Cd = drag coefficient (based on shape and surface), A = cross-sectional area, v = velocity
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​The v² term indicates that drag force grows quadratically with speed, so doubling the velocity increases resistance fourfold. ​In short, the bigger the wave, the greater the Dock Stabilization System's resistance to that wave.
Resistance to Waves
When a wave approaches your dock, the crest exerts an upward force, attempting to lift the structure. Without a stabilizing mechanism below the waterline, only the dock's weight counters this force. The Dock Stabilization System (DSS) introduces a submerged resistance plane that significantly enhances stability through multiple mechanisms. Firstly, it provides basic water resistance, akin to the difference between lifting a rope from the water versus lifting one attached to a 5x5-foot plywood sheet held perpendicular to the surface. Secondly, the DSS capitalizes on the wave's rolling motion, as water molecules exert an upward push at the crest and a downward force at the trough, allowing the resistance plane to harness this downward pressure. Finally, the system leverages hydraulic drag, where the force increases exponentially with the speed of the dock's upward movement. Consequently, larger waves, which induce faster upward motion, are met with disproportionately greater resistance, enhancing the dock's stability. In addition, the DSS design allows for the addition of weight to the system's tub without compromising its resistance properties. This feature effectively lowers the dock’s center of gravity and increases overall stability by adding mass below the waterline. Unlike topside weighting, which can consume valuable deck space, this approach maintains the dock’s usable area while improving performance in challenging conditions, such as high boat traffic or windy environments.
Resistance to Wind
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The Dock Stabilization System (DSS) enhances resistance against wind forces that may attempt to lift your dock from the water. In regions prone to straight-line winds or tornadic weather patterns, such forces can potentially uproot and overturn a dock. By integrating a submerged resistance plane, the DSS effectively anchors the dock within the water, rather than merely allowing it to rest on the surface. Consequently, wind forces must not only overcome the dock’s weight but also displace the DSS and the additional weight of the water above it. Furthermore, as previously noted, the hydraulic drag effect increases exponentially with the speed of the dock’s upward movement, providing a robust anchoring mechanism that significantly enhances stability against rapid wind-induced uplift.