[Jeff]

Here is some additional commentary that I think may have significant relevance to understanding the release phenomenon (as explained mathematically by nmgolfer in that link).

Consider this image of two waterskiers being pulled behind a motorboat.



Image 1 shows the two skiers (1 and 2) traveling at the same speed as they are pulled behind the motorboat. Presume that the motorboat travels at a constant speed, which means that the pull force on the connecting rope is constant, and that both waterskiers will therefore travel at the same speed (which is the same speed as the motorboat).

Image 2 shows what will happen if waterskier number 2 angles his skis outwards so that he travels along a curved path. He will start to travel faster than waterskier number 1 even though the pulling force exerted by the motorboat (which is traveling at a constant speed) along the rope is unchanged. Why does he travel faster? I believe it is due to the fact that the constant pulling force is angled relative to the direction of travel of the waterskier, and therefore the waterskier acquires angular acceleration. With the progression of time, waterskier number 2 will travel along a curved path, and travel through point A, pass point B and eventually end up at point C. During this time period, the waterskier number 2 will be travellng faster-and-faster, and eventually the waterskier will catch up to the boat (point C). Interestingly, the pull force exerted via the rope (as a result of the motorboat traveling at a constant speed) remains constant, but the waterskier eventually catches up to the boat. I think that this catch-up phenomenon is "equivalent" to the release phenomenon described by nmgolfer in his release mathematics explanation - that a golf club develops angular acceleration when the constant pulling force on the grip is at an angle to the COG and directional momentum of the club, and that the clubhead end of the club will eventually catch up to the grip end.

If you find my waterskier analogy reasonable, then you may also consider another fact. Waterskier number 2 travels faster-and-faster along the curved path as he progressively moves through point A and point B to point C. Also, the closer the waterskier gets to the boat (and the faster he travels), the less the drag load he imposes on the connecting rope. So the question becomes, does COAM apply to this situation? Does the motorboat have to slow down (given an unchanged level of engine thrust) if waterskier number 2 progressively speeds up along the curved path as described?

Jeff.