Aircraft Excrescence Drag
Abstract
A review has been undertaken of the available data on the subject of the drag of excrescences on aircraft surfaces. Information from this review has been summarized and presented in a way that is readily usable for prediction and design purposes. The basic characteristics of boundary layers are discussed and, where possible, the drag of excrescences is related to those characteristics. In particular, because the size of many types of surface imperfection is small in comparison with boundary layer thicknesses, the drag of such imperfections can be correlated in terms of the properties of inner regions of the boundary layer. Several previously published analyses of this type are highlighted and, where possible, extensions to other data sources or other types of excrescence are presented. The practical problems of applying these data in the varying velocity gradients existing on aircraft surfaces are treated and one section is devoted to the drag of auxiliary air inlet and exit openings. Gaps in existing data which offer opportunities for research effort are pointed out.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA106030
Entities
People
- A. D. Young
- J. H. Paterson
Organizations
- AGARD