On Airplanes they are called Vortex Generators...and you can see them on the wings up top.
Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 18:49:25 -0400 From: stever707@gmail.com To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: The Science of Whale Flippers
Here is an article from the Mechanical Engineering magazine that may be of interest. It describes how bumps on whale fins reduce drag.
If that link doesn't not work, search for "Whales" and "ASME".
The bumps are on the "wrong side" of the fin from a conventional wisdom perspective. They allow a higher angle of attack before stalling. Unfortunately this is useful only in limited circumstances.
I wonder if there may be a practical application to a rudder or perhaps centerboard.
steve
Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY
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