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Re: Europa-List: Wheel fairings

Subject: Re: Europa-List: Wheel fairings
From: Frans Veldman <frans@privatepilots.nl>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:38:22

On 08/19/2012 10:41 PM, craig wrote:
> -->  Europa-List message posted by: "craig"<craigb@onthenet.com.au>
>
> Frans, could you elaborate on the "correct length would be shorter" wouldn't
> the longer shallower transition
> Create less drag and thus make your longer fairing more efficient.

There is also something like skin drag. More surface creates more drag. 
So there is an optimum somewhere: for a 2D fairing (like for a strut or 
a wheel leg) the optimal width to length ratio would be 1:3.7, with the 
widest point at about 30% of the length. For a 3D fairing things get a 
bit more complicated. Shorter carries a higher penalty than longer, so 
if in doubt just make it longer.

Frans



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