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Old 06-23-2015, 03:58 PM   #76 (permalink)
aerohead
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ram-air

Quote:
Originally Posted by drrbc View Post
Once upon a time in the massive number of clicks across the web…

I recall going stumbling upon a diagram of a dirigible (IIRC) in whose tail fins were inflated by a ram air type opening- so more of a parachute than balloon.

The obvious problem being the induced drag of the opening versus the reduction benefit of such a mechanism.

Materials wise it doesn't seem (on the surface at least) much more difficult than a little plastic, parachute type nylon, and a needle and thread.

Anyone seen similar or heard of such?
I've seen towed targets for military weapons testing which inflate this way,and one boat tail,by Bruce Ruefer of the Lubbock area.I think his patent drawing is given in the appendix of the book,"FAIRING WELL",which is available online for free.It also appeared as a photograph in "ENGINEERING TODAY',published by Texas Tech's Engineering Dept. in 1996.
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