Flexible Composite Surface Deturbulator

[dreece611]

Here is a very interesting product invented for sailplanes and now is being used on tractor trailer rigs

"Dr. Sumon K. Sinha has developed a Flexible Composite Surface Deturbulator (FCSD) tape, that effectively reduces drag from air flow over surfaces. Although development is proceeding, Dr. Sinha's deturbulator has already produced 20% better performance in aircraft test flights. "

http://www.sinhatech.com/

should prove interesting, take a look at there windtunnel test of a car the results are promissing for drag reduction.

But leave it to Bonneville to prove it all wrong.

I am a old glider pilot and always look at what extreme tech they are developing out of Delft Univ for low speed aerodynamic shapes. The Nimbus 4D sailplane originally could handle 2 pilots 6'2" 250#it was enlarged to handle a pair of 6'8" 285# pilots with NO change in performance. Take a look at the Nimbus for a nose shape on a streamliner.

slowly building my own LSR

Dave Reece

[Blue]

"Testing on semi-tractor-trailer rigs  is underway. Savings between 4% and 10% overall, including idle periods, are indicated by data taken on a rig traveling between Louisiana and Florida. "

"including idle periods"

I'll be the first to say that aero improvements have tremendous potential.  But how is something supposed to reduce aero drag when standing still?

On the reality side, the sailplane pictures show this stuff used in the same areas as standard turbulator tape (zig-zag tape).  The quoted percentage gains are about the same as for a "clean" sailplane vs. standard turb tape.

So it's turb tape.  Maybe a different form, but it's just turb tape.

[Dean Los Angeles]

now is being used on tractor trailer rigs

It isn't being used on anything. It isn't being sold. Their tests started in 2003 and the last date is 2008. A Google search doesn't show anything after 2008.

Deturbulators in all forms have been used in LSR. Your performance may vary.

Do a little searching here and you will find all sorts of boundary layer devices.