Experimental investigation of drag on a compliant surfaceThe feasibility of reducing turbulent skin-friction drag by means of surface compliance was studied experimentally in a fully developed flat-plate turbulent boundary layer in air, using a membranous surface backed by a thin cavity containing a layer of polyurethane foam. Surface motion characteristics, boundary layer structure, and overall drag were measured over a range of freestream speeds from 7 to 30 m/sec, and a range of membrane tensions from 44 to 350 N/m. Low-amplitude long-wavelength motions predominate, and no significant change from the rigid surface skin-friction coefficients was observed.
Document ID
19810042112
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mcmichael, J. M. (National Bureau of Standards Washington, DC, United States)
Klebanoff, P. S. (National Bureau of Standards Washington, DC, United States)
Mease, N. E. (National Bureau of Standards, Fluid Engineering Div., Washington D.C., United States)