Expert: Paul Soderman - 11/19/2009

Question
Good day sir. I am a university physics student with great interest in aeronautics. My questions are below:

In preventing separation by accelerating the retarded fluid it is said that only fluid with larger momentum can be used. Why can we not use a C nozzle submerged in the boundary layer to convert the much unwanted pressure energy to kinetic energy of the fluid?

I have been working on two new ideas that can reduce induced drag and in Cameroon where i am; we don't have any facilities. I would like you to give me advice on how to get ideas into the aeronautics community.

That will be all for now. Thanks for understanding.  

Answer
Ngole
Many studies have been made of injecting flow into the boundary layer to prevent separation.  Without a sketch or more information I cannot understand exactly what you are thinking of so I can't judge your technique.  What do you mean by "convert unwanted pressure energy" ?  The biggest problem with these types of solutions are the difficulties associated with getting plumbing into a wing at the right place and getting high pressure air of the right mass flow and velocity.  Weight is also a consideration.  It is all possible, but the cost versus gain must be carefully examined before the manufacturer will implement the technology.

Most researchers get there ideas into the aeronautics community by presenting a technical paper at a conference that is specializing in the subject at hand.  In this country that might be an AIAA conference (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics).  I am not sure what is available to you in Africa.  You can also submit an article for publication in a technical journal.  AIAA would be good for that also.  Check their website.  You should also check the literature to see what has been done before.  Good luck.
Paul