GAS FILM BOUNDARY LAYER STABILIZATION FEASIBILITY DEMONSTRATION
Abstract
The feasibility of stabilizing the laminar boundary layer on a submerged body by establishing and maintaining a thin gas film on the surface of the body was investigated. The purpose was to demonstrate the existence of a stable gas film, to uncover problem areas unpredicted by analysis, and to secure preliminary design data for the ultimate development of a low drag prototype vehicle. Although a stable film was obtained, the problems encountered in establishment and the apparent extreme sensitivity of the film make the feasibility of gas films as a practical means of reducing drag doubtful. It is recommended, however, that future work in this area is warranted to further investigate the effects of pressure gradient, surface tension, initial conditions in the gas and water and disturbances on stability, the clarification of which may lead to a workable design eliminating the problems encountered in this study. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0290235