- #1
claytonh4
- 80
- 0
First off, I'm not an engineer. I'm only in high school so this may sound like a stupid question to some. But, I watched this episode of mythbusters where they tested the gas mileage on a standard car, and one with golf ball-like dimples all over it, and there was a significant difference. Their explanation was that these dimples caused the airflow to create a smaller wake then on a smooth car. So I figured, why not apply this concept to an aircraft? After-all, winglets serve a similar purpose, right? So that the wing tip doesn't create so much turbulence? And I also heard that the paint on an aircraft can make a difference for weight reasons. I read something about a bare metal B747 vs a painted one being like a thousand pounds or so. And if something like paint can make a difference, I figure a dimpled fuselage would make a massive difference, especially with jet fuel prices. This isn't some crazy novel idea, I'm sure it's been considered before, but doesn't work for a reason. Could someone please tell me why that is? At super high speeds would it introduce a source of drag or something? Or would it interfere with lift?
Thanks!
Thanks!