Aero Fact: Boundary Layer Types
Laminar vs. turbulent boundary layers change skin friction and separation behavior.
By AircoreDynamics •
•
1 min read
Definition: Laminar flow has lower skin friction but is fragile; turbulent flow is robust but higher-drag.
Physics insight: Reynolds number, surface roughness, and pressure gradient govern transition.
Example: Laminar wings can lose performance quickly due to insect contamination.
Cf,lam ~ 1/√Re; Cf,turb ~ 0.074/Re^(1/5) (approx.)
Rules of thumb: Keep surfaces clean; choose NLF designs carefully and maintain.
Common pitfalls: Over-trusting transition control; underestimating icing.
References: Schlichting; Drela