turbulator
zeeoo,
Turbulators are used mostly on very high performance sailplanes that have laminar flow airfoils.The purpose is for tripping the laminar bubble.
A strip of zig-zag tape is applied, usually aft of 50% chord.
A vortex generator is usually a piece of aluminum about 1"x .375" bonded every 6" or so.
Helicopter blades cannot maintain laminar flow, because for laminar flow an extremely smooth surface must be maintained.
The sandblasted finish of heli blades is far too rough. Even dust can destroy laminar flow.
slowrotor