The Gurney Flap: A Simple Device with a Surprising Impact
A Tiny Addition with a Big Impact
Hidden on the underside of many aircraft is a small but powerful device called the Gurney flap. This seemingly insignificant tab, just a few millimeters in height, has a profound effect on an aircraft's performance.
History and Invention
The Gurney flap was invented in the 1960s by Dan Gurney, a renowned race car driver. Gurney sought to improve the downforce on his cars and discovered that a small spoiler at the trailing edge of the airfoil could significantly enhance lift. The flap is named after its inventor, and it has since become a staple in automotive and aerospace engineering.
Mechanism of Action
The Gurney flap works by altering the airflow over an airfoil. It creates a small vortex at the trailing edge, which changes the pressure distribution and effectively increases the lift generated by the airfoil. This allows aircraft to generate more lift at the same speed or to maintain lift at lower speeds.
Applications
Gurney flaps are used in various applications, from race cars and airplanes to wind turbines and industrial fans. In addition to increasing lift, they can also reduce drag, improve stability, and suppress noise. The flap's versatility and low cost make it a popular solution for engineers seeking to optimize aerodynamic performance.
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