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Old June 12th 06, 04:28 AM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
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Default Why don't wings have dimples?

Actually, Vortex Generators on wings are a common device for increasing
usable angle of attack, on everything from supercubs to airliners.

The idea is similar to your golfball dimples. Cause turbulence in the air
flowing over the wing, thus allowing it to continue to follow the wing
surface a bit longer.

There is some engineering data in the NACA web library. This was all I found
with a quick search, but there may be more.
http://naca.larc.nasa.gov/reports/19...-rm-e53l15.pdf





"Dancing Fingers" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi all,
I always wanted to build my own airplane but the time and money has
eluded me. So I've decided to design and build my own recumbent trike,
with farings. This brings me to my question, if golf balls have
dimples, to help them sail further, why don't wings -- especially for
STOL aircraft? Would putting dimples in my faring reduce my wind
resistance?
Just curious.
Chris