Cover my gear legs or not

skywagon8a

MEMBER

SE Mass MA6

• Apr 20, 2020

• #61

courierguy, will you try one more test? Using the same piece of streamlined tubing, reverse it so that the thin pointed edge is facing into the wind. Compare that reading to the one you already tried. According to Prof Shapiro in #59's video the drag should be higher.

 

1

1934A

SPONSOR

SE Montana

• Apr 20, 2020

• #62

Thanks for posting your test results, Tom! Now I'm curious as to how a streamlined profile could compare to a teardrop shape at those speeds. My gear legs are covered, but if they weren't, I'd try something like Gary suggested above, and fair the reason the tube. It would be very interesting to see how it all translates to speed gain... 2-3 mph? More?

 

courierguy

MEMBER

Inkom, Idaho

• Apr 20, 2020

• #63

skywagon8a said:

courierguy, will you try one more test? Using the same piece of streamlined tubing, reverse it so that the thin pointed edge is facing into the wind. Compare that reading to the one you already tried. According to Prof Shapiro in #59's video the drag should be higher.

Click to expand...

Did that, was very noticeablly higher drag, but no where near draggy as the round tube.

 

courierguy

MEMBER

Inkom, Idaho

• Apr 20, 2020

• #64

cubdriver2 said:

I would think that that area your trying to test in would be a low pressure area behind the windshield?

Glenn

Click to expand...

Yes, altered flow for sure, if this was a serious test, but the overall much greater drag of the round tube still a given, re the wrist test.

 

O

Oliver

Registered User

• Apr 20, 2020

• #65

Maybe watch speedometer when you stick tubes out the window :smile:

 

Last edited: Apr 20, 2020

cubpilot2

SPONSOR

Anchorage Alaska

• Apr 20, 2020

• #66

Were focused on the gear legs, but most have installed the safety cables. Check the testing of wire shapes in the MIT video. Of course the drag ratio is at much higher speeds in his tests but sure makes you think.

 

courierguy

MEMBER

Inkom, Idaho

• Apr 20, 2020

• #67

Since I have what amounts to over built gear on my S-7S, (and I guess, I'm a thrill seeker) I did not install the safety cables that came with my gear. The extra drag was the first consideration, followed by their weight. No regrets yet, I also don't wear suspenders when I wear a belt. Heavier planes that work their gear much harder then my lightweight, are a different deal. To me, this was just another benefit of keeping things light.

 

Farmboy

MEMBER

Middlebury, VT

• Apr 21, 2020

• #68

Could always slide a section of this over your gear legs.



pb

 

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BC12D-4-85

SPONSOR

Fairbanks, AK.

• Apr 21, 2020

• #69

Source: https://www.uflyit.com/streamline_fairings.htm

Split the rear and slide over the gear and cabane/shock struts. Fastening it would be a challenge.

Gary

 

S

Skywalker

PATRON

Vermont

• Apr 21, 2020

• #70

Peter, that looks like the Aerolite product at uflyit.com . Leave it loose and tell us if the spiral slipstream moves it out of trail.

 

Farmboy

MEMBER

Middlebury, VT

• Apr 21, 2020

• #71

Skywalker said:

Peter, that looks like the Aerolite product at uflyit.com . Leave it loose and tell us if the spiral slipstream moves it out of trail.

Click to expand...

Only on landing/taxiing.

Fastening is simple with 2 adel clamps per section. I was changing my gear bolts so sliding them on required no splitting.

 

Last edited: Apr 21, 2020

Farmboy

MEMBER

Middlebury, VT

• Apr 21, 2020

• #72

 

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Jonnyo

Registered User

Fairbanks, Ak

• Apr 21, 2020

• #73

Having the gear covered adds a huge amount of drag, in a slip. The more drag the better, trying to drop down over 100 foot trees.

Just having covered gear could shorten your landing by 5 feet.


Jonny