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Why aeroplane wings aren't dimpled like golf balls (aerospaceweb.org)
76 points by aubergene on Sept 25, 2009 | hide | past | favorite | 5 comments



A nice article on two points.

1. A good explanation of something I had wondered about.

2. A technical level above "History Channel popularization" but below PhD dissertation. Is it just me or does it seem like articles at this level are very rare?


Read carlzimmer.com --- it's very well-written and informative.


FTA: However, there do exist other types of devices commonly used on wings that create a similar effect to the dimples used on golf balls. Though these wing devices also create turbulence in order to delay flow separation, the purpose is not to decrease drag but to increase lift. One of the most popular of these devices is the vortex generator.

Upvoted for informing me that a device called a "vortex generator" actually exists.

SWEET.


Vortex coolers (Wikipedia it) are, well, cooler.





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