wave-making resistance

Wave-making resistance is the force a ship encounters as it moves through water, caused by the energy needed to generate waves. As a vessel advances, it displaces water, creating waves that require energy to form and sustain. This process consumes part of the ship's power, making it harder to keep moving forward. Factors like the ship's shape, size, and speed influence how much wave-making resistance occurs—smoother, more streamlined ships typically generate fewer waves and thus face less resistance, leading to more efficient travel.