Typical surface roughness heights for aircraft surfaces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the typical surface roughness heights for modern aircraft surfaces, particularly in the context of aerodynamics and drag modeling for a regional turboprop. Participants seek to understand the range of values and the implications of surface roughness on aerodynamic performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the typical range of surface roughness heights required for drag modeling in aerodynamics.
  • Another participant suggests conducting a Google search for aircraft surface roughness height, providing links to relevant articles and studies.
  • A participant notes the complexity of modeling surface roughness, mentioning its effects on boundary-layer transition and how the roughness can change over time due to environmental factors.
  • A different participant offers a vague suggestion to search for "surface texture," indicating they have previously written extensively on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus on specific values for surface roughness heights, and multiple viewpoints regarding the implications of surface roughness on aerodynamics are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific values for surface roughness and the factors that influence it, such as environmental conditions and the transition from as-built to as-flown surfaces.

JaWolf
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Hello!
I am investigating some preliminary aerodynamics on a regional turboprop and for the drag model the surface roughness height of the airplane is required as an input. For this i do not have any data. In which range are the typical values for modern aircraft surfaces?
Thanks a lot!
 
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JaWolf said:
Hello!
I am investigating some preliminary aerodynamics on a regional turboprop and for the drag model the surface roughness height of the airplane is required as an input. For this i do not have any data. In which range are the typical values for modern aircraft surfaces?
Thanks a lot!

Typical surface roughness: "As built"

I am curious what kind of model takes this into account, as its primary effect is on boundary-layer transition, but the relationship between the two is extremely complicated. Also, as a typical airplane flies around, it accumulates dirt and grime from weather and bug strikes, so the as-flown surface roughness changes over time and is going to be different from the as-built surface roughness.
 
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in Search bar type in surface texture
posted by Ranger Mike
i have written much on this subject
merry Christmas
 
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