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Old 01-25-2014, 01:37 PM   #10 (permalink)
aerohead
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maze

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xist View Post
Well, even if the the entire thing is blocked off, if the front is a maze, wouldn't that make it less aerodynamic?
If it's all just a styling statement,with zero porosity,stagnant air will simply pool inside all the maze elements and the equipotential inviscid outer flow will simply skip over it,cutting a b-line around and over the growing turbulent boundary layer,just as with dimples on a golf ball.
As long as the leading edge radii are sufficient to maintain attachment,the zero-yaw drag shouldn't be impacted.
In a crosswind gust,the sharp side edges could help control sudden yawing moments.
From a marketing perspective,the 'bold','masculine' look might counteract some fear by potential customers of 'effeminate' features threatening their testosterone levels.(Autospontaneoustesticularatrophobia)
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