[hlangebro]

I've been pondering about the idea of adding turbulator zig zag tape on the gear leg fairings. These are essentially thick airfoils, flying at a lower Re number. A few years ago, some guy tried out turbulators on a Cessna with great result. The reason being was that 50% of the flow over the leg fairing separated. He was able to reattach it, partially, and thus reduce drag.

I am thinking about doing some flow viz with oil, to see what the flow pattern is. If it is separating, then a turbulator strip could be helpful, both nose and main fairings.

Has anyone tried this on their RV's?

 

[SHIPCHIEF]

Here is a link from the past:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=19474
and I just found this:
http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/turbulat.htm
Here is a place to buy a roll:
http://wingsandwheels.com/tapes-seals/turbulator-tape.html
Or borrow your mom's pinking shears and make some. The gear legs aren't very long.
I love experimental aircraft...

 

[bpattonsoa]

If you want to do a quick test, turbulate one side of one leg. Be ready with the rudder!

Might be a better idea to do half the leg. Be careful.

 

[hlangebro]

Thanks, yeah I have seen all of that before too. Nothing really specific to the gear fairings. I think I will tuft one side and somehow install my GoPro under the wing and film it, look for natural transitions or separation. Less messy than oil Flow vis...