Steve,
My understanding is that preventing the air going over the flap, in
cruise, reduces drag, resulting in higher cruise speed, which I have
experienced. I don't have the engineering background to completely
understand what is happening to the wing, in flight. That's why I
depend on the guys on the list to keep me straight. I'm more of a "try
it and see" kinda guy... :) John's advice is based on the success that
the glider guys have had, sealing the gaps. It seems to have worked on
Baby Blue, as well. Continued testing will tell to what degree of
advantage the seals make. It may very well prove that the extra few
knots is not worth the float upon landing. I won't know until I satisfy
myself that I've explored all the angles (and strip widths)... ;)
Jeff
Steve Pitt wrote:
> Jeff, You are confusing me (it does not take much I hear some say!)
> I thought I understood from other e-mails that it was necessary to
> maintain a gap in the flap to allow air to flow upwards when the flap
> is extended. However your photos suggest that your seal will stop any
> air going up through the flap at all stages of flight (or is this not
> the case?).
> I can understand sealing the ailerons and have seen this quite clearly
> on gliders over this weekend, but they don't have flaps so it does not
> apply to them.
> Can someone please point me to an explanation of the aerodynamic
> theories surrounding this subject. Thank you
> Steve Pitt
> G-SMDH
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