Next message: Stan Gardner: "Re: lv-ab: Depth Finders"
You can also use "drywall mesh tape" available for about $3.00
for more than you will ever need. We use it as a turbulator on small
aircraft. It has a self sticky back that is sufficient for testing, but won't last.
You cut it in 1/2" to 1" strips and apply at about 20% back from the
leading edge, then reposition it about 1/2" back each time and test.
Different foils like to be tripped at different locations and some
only need it out towards the tips. For smaller wings you can simply cut
a strip of pipe wrap with pinking shears so you end up with a 3/16" wide
zig zag strip of tape. This is applied to the same area instead of the mesh.
The printing comes off the wrap with strong solvents.
A constant wind and a digital
hobby tach make testing easier on propellers.
When you find the right position, smear the tape with contact cement
and reapply.
As a side note, I also have 1.25" vortex generators on the front
edge of the hood and roof of my F-100 pick up. They provide
a 12% increase in mileage at highway speeds. A friend of mine has
a very solid patent for automotive application of these things and
is pursuing the trucking/RV industry first. You can make your own rendition
with 1" lexan corner protector (wall paper dept. Home Desperate)
and foam tape......
Mark Mech
www.aerofoam.com
>" An adhesive tape with holes,
it is applied to the thickest part of an airfoil, and using the same principal
>as a golf ball, increases lift and reduces drag by creating
micro-turbulence. He wanted to know if we might be interested in trying some on our wind
>generator. So, we gave it a go, and sure enough, what a difference! Our model
AirMarine is notorious for the amount of sound it makes. Well, the tape has cut
out about 70% of that sound. Anthony claims that you can get a 10%
improvement in gas mileage if applied to a late model car.
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