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boundary layer
fluid mechanics
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- Ludwig Prandtl
Investigate the drag forces produced at the turbulent boundary layers in a moving aircraftLearn how a wind tunnel is used to investigate the drag forces that are produced at turbulent boundary layers.
See all videos for this articleboundary layer, in fluid mechanics, thin layer of a flowing gas or liquid in contact with a surface such as that of an airplane wing or of the inside of a pipe. The fluid in the boundary layer is subjected to shearing forces. A range of velocities exists across the boundary layer from maximum to zero, provided the fluid is in contact with the surface. Boundary layers are thinner at the leading edge of an aircraft wing and thicker toward the trailing edge. The flow in such boundary layers is generally laminar at the leading or upstream portion and turbulent in the trailing or downstream portion. See also laminar flow; turbulent flow.