Frost
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Rolling stone
Frost
Is it true that frost on your wing can thicken the boundry layer, therefore increase your drag quite dramatically? Does it this effect on the viscosity of air? I was told this years ago, and have been trying to research the topic, but not getting much.
Also would frost on your wing bemore of a threat on top than underneath.
Also would frost on your wing bemore of a threat on top than underneath.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,843
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From: Australia
(1) It is true that frost on your wing can thicken the boundry layer, and increase drag significantly (I'd stop short of dramatically).
(2) Frost won't have much effect upon air viscosity unless you're stationary. Kinematic Viscosity becomes a problem at high speeds and VERY low air temperatures. This is unrelated to frost.
(3) Any contaminant (including frost) on the upper surface of the wing has greater significance than an equal amount beneath.
Regards, and Happy New Year,
Old Smokey
(2) Frost won't have much effect upon air viscosity unless you're stationary. Kinematic Viscosity becomes a problem at high speeds and VERY low air temperatures. This is unrelated to frost.
(3) Any contaminant (including frost) on the upper surface of the wing has greater significance than an equal amount beneath.
Regards, and Happy New Year,
Old Smokey
