How does turbulence affect the boundary layer and create drag on swimsuits?

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Boundary Boundary layer
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of turbulence on the boundary layer in relation to swimsuits and drag. Participants explore how turbulent flow interacts with the boundary layer and its implications for drag reduction in aquatic environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a type of swimsuit allows water to "stick" longer to the suit, drawing a parallel to golf balls and their dimples affecting airflow.
  • Another participant questions how turbulence can cause water to "stick" longer to the boundary layer, suggesting that turbulence might typically lead to quicker separation.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that turbulence increases pressure against the boundary layer and enhances dynamic viscosity, which could explain the increased adherence of water to the suit.
  • One participant raises a question about why wings are not designed like golf balls if turbulent layers result in less drag, indicating a potential contradiction in the application of these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between turbulence and water adhesion to the boundary layer, with no consensus reached on the mechanisms at play or the implications for swimsuit design.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of turbulent flow and its effects on drag remain unresolved, and the discussion includes varying interpretations of how turbulence interacts with boundary layers.

WhiteRaven
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hi, I'm just currently doing some research on swimsuits and how they work. i have found that 1 type of swimsuit makes water "stick" to the suit longer so the water doesn't separate and cause drag. i notice this is very similar to how golf balls work with the dimples making the air stick longer to the Boundary Layer. my question is, how does a turbulent boundary layer get the water to "stick" longer to the suit? wouldn't it be the other way around, turbulent making the water come off more quickly? also how exactly does water seperating from the boundary layer create drag? btw if there are any great websites to refer me to would be very helpful

thanks
wr
 
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thanks, but the question still remains, why does turbulent flow make water "stick" to the boundary layer?
 
As far as I know turbulence pressurizes additionally the boundary layer against the wall. Also dynamic viscosity is virtually increased due to the turbulent stresses (turbulent viscosity). One could think of the contrary behaviour, but the external eddies enhances the more grip of the layer.

I have another question: if a turbulent layer has less drag, why do not the wings are shaped like the surface of golf balls?. I mean with those small holes on the surface.

I've tried to give you a <more humanitarian> answer than that posted a little above. I assume you have googled a bit before coming here, so that answering you with links to encyclopedias is... :zzz:
 

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