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Turbulators on gear leg fairings...

hlangebro

Well Known Member
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?
 
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.
 
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... :)
 
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