Reduction of Aerodynamic Drag.
Abstract
This report describes the construction of a miniature aerodynamic skin friction drag balance and its use in a preliminary investigation of the drag reducing effect of boundary layer irradiation. The balance is of the null-position type and is operated using an automatic control system to maintain the null-position of the drag plate. High accuracy and stability are observed at flow velocities up to 0.8 Mach Number, and a resolution of less than 0.5% of changes in drag force can be achieved. In preliminary experiments irradiation of the boundary layer with B particles from a 120 mCi 147Pm source has given drag reductions of approx. 5 + or = 3% at flow velocities up to 0.6 Mach Number. In future work more accurate data on the drag reduction will be obtained and the physical basis of the phenomenon studied. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA089811
Entities
People
- J. Clark
- John Edwin Field
- W. A. Wilby
Organizations
- University of Cambridge