A Preliminary Study of the Problem of Boundary Layer Control

Citation

Smith, Apollo Milton Olin (1938) A Preliminary Study of the Problem of Boundary Layer Control. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/STNT-3N37. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12052007-091749

Abstract

This thesis presents a study of the problem of securing high lifts by means of boundary layer removal, together with first results of tests on the Boundary Layer Model of the Guggenheim Aeronautics Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (hereinafter called GALCIT). It is divided into two parts: first, a review and discussion of previous work, and second, presentation and development of methods used for carrying out tests upon the GALCIT model, together with experimental results obtained from the tests upon the model.

Previous researches show that boundary layer removal is indeed successful in securing high lift coefficients. Study reveals also that results from one experiment may differ greatly from those of another. Consequently, previous work is of little help in predicting results to be obtained for a design different from the model tested.

Results on the GALCIT model have not been favorable, but it is believed that flow tests have found the difficulty. Consequently, the experimental work has value only for the light it sheds upon the future course of this research at the Institute.

Thesis Files