A new boundary flow control method has demonstrated large performance improvements in air.
The new method was invented by Dr. Sumon Sinha
and developed in cooperation with Jim Hendrix.
To date, enough data has been collected to demonstrate the potential of this method.
Performance data from a full-scale sailplane (glider) in flight show routine improvements around 25%.
Furthermore, instances of extreme performance
have been measured on several occasions. This was achieved by marginally detaching the flow over most of the wing surfaces,
a condition that has been confirmed by
oil flow visualizations.
In December of 2006, the glider was taken to the legendary Richard H. (Dick) Johnson
for independent testing. Johnson confirmed improvements of 13% to 18%.
He, and associate Jeff Baird, measured sink rates manually using well established methods.
However, a flight data recorder was also operating. Data from the recorder
corroborates the manual data, eliminating questions of human error.
In his report, Johnson summarized his findings by stating that
"the new Sinha Deturbulator could be the first really significant drag-reducing aerodynamic invention
since the development of the now-common laminar-flow airfoils that were developed some 65 years ago."
The Sinha method not only reduces turbulence but also eliminates skin friction from regions of the wing where the flow is stabilized
in a marginally detached configuration. This requires a delicate balance of conditions that may seem impossible to achieve and sustain.
Nevertheless, the data demonstrate that both are possible and have occurred repeatedly.
This method works. Its potential has been demonstrated.
Sufficient data now exists to justify funding for major R&D efforts to
1) quantify and model the flow-surface dynamics,
2) to improve the design for robust performance,
3) to develop new airfoils that exploit this technique and
4) to develop practical applications in aviation, wind-power generation, ground transportation, etc.
Now is the time for academia and industry to get involved!
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