Thread: Dimples On Model Aircraft Could Greatly Extend Range
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Old November 5th 08, 02:00 AM posted to sci.energy,rec.aviation.military,rec.aviation.marketplace,sci.engr.mech
Brian Whatcott
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Default Dimples On Model Aircraft Could Greatly Extend Range
On Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:05:03 GMT, wrote:

In rec.aviation.marketplace wrote:

I'm not certain dimples would make much difference in a well designed
airfoil wing or prop or fusalage. Maybe something that had an awkward
shape, i. e., a strut, would benefit the most.

If dimples were an "improvement", why do airplane makers bother with
smoothing out the dimples from flush rivets?


Good question. Golf ball dimples make an advantageous shape
for a SPINNING ball. Wings can often use vortex generators, or
something not unlike dimples - to energize the boundary layer.

Brian W