Dimples

[Malcom \Mal\ Reynolds]

Just watched this weeks episode of
mythbusters and got a 10% improvement in
gas mileage by putting (golf-ball like)
dimples in the car

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/mythbu
sters-golf-ball-like-dimpling-mpg/

I'm imagining all sorts of areas that
might benefit from this unexpected
result: windturbines, waterturbines and
ceiling fans more efficient

 

[Malcom \Mal\ Reynolds]

<uLWdncDd4oAIKnjXnZ2dnUVZ_gednZ2d@gigane
ws.com>,

Since, for the devices you mention, you would need
the opposite effect I take it you would be adding bumps,
instead of "dimples".

Luck;
Ken

Based on the experiment and some
follow-up in rec.aviation.homebuilt, I'd
say no.

Unless I am misunderstanding your
question.

 

[Malcom \Mal\ Reynolds]

Unless they plan on cruising in reverse, a surface resembling fish
scales might produce even better results. It should work well in both
compressible (gaseous) and non-compressible (fluid) mediums...

We will have to forward that as a
suggestion to Jamie and Adam

 

[steamer]

--Hmmm I wonder: would the rotating aerofoils of a wind generator
benefit (or not) if they had vortex generators on 'em?