|
Dimpletape® DIMPLETAPE® Dimpletape will increase the performance of your airplane, boat , auto, or even a speed skater. For example, a 150 mph airplane will have an increase in airspeed of 6 mph by placing the tape on the wings only, and it will increase the effective horsepower by 10% Boeing is using this patented technology on the wing fairing of its new F-18 E/F strike fighter. Dimples help the F–18, and dimples can help you. Dimpletape is a clear perforated polyurethane tape that is easy to apply. It reduces the wind resistance of any airfoil or hydrofoil. It can even be placed on clothing of a speed skater. Dimpletape introduces microscopic turbulence in the layer of air (or water) on the surface of an airfoil (or hydrofoil) body. Surprisingly, this low-level turbulence attaches the upper airstream, reducing the wake drag of the body and the noise generated. The dimples on a golf ball have the same effect-makes the golf ball go twice as far. Dimpletape is the most efficient form of vortices generator. Other vortices generators stick up into the upper airstream, resulting in velocity squared loses and a loss of airspeed. The use of Dimpletape results in a gain of airspeed.
How do I Apply Dimpletape? Dimpletape is as easy to apply as a bumper sticker. Simply select the
appropriate area peel and stick. Application instructions are included with
every order. What feedback have you had of how Dimpletape works? Feedback has been very positive:
Q: What about using Dimpletape on a certificated airplane? A: The owner must obtain approval from the FAA ("337" or
a "STC"). Q: Does the use of Dimpletape have any negative effect? A: None to speak of except as mentioned above. Generally, Dimpletape will allow you to takeoff sooner, fly faster, land slower, and slow tire wear. Q: What if the Dimpletape comes off one blade of the propeller in
flight? A: There is no noticeable effect. Placing tape on one blade only will not cause any vibration. Q: What color is Dimpletape? A: Clear and colorless. Dimpletape is made of polyurethane and may be painted. Q: Does Dimpletape come with an adhesive? How long will it last? A: Dimpletape has a pre-applied adhesive and is the best polyurethane that 3M manufactures. The tape on a local Tailwind is 5 years old and going fast and strong. Q: Is using Dimpletape on the propeller more effective than the wings? A: Dimpletape is more effective on wooden propellers than on the wings. Of course dimples on the surface of wooden propeller is the best of all (metal too). But Dimpletape on wings only still will give you a 6 mph increase in airspeed. It can be applied to fabric wing and stabilizers. Q: Where else can Dimpletape be used other than the wings and propeller? A: It can be used on wing struts, wheel pants and leg struts, canopies, and any surface that is an airfoil. Q: Can the Dimpletape be taken off without harming the finish where
attached? A: Yes, but carefully like porcupines making love. Use a warm hair
dryer and mineral spirits solvent. Q: Can Dimpletape be applied to a wooden or composite propeller as well
as a metal propeller? A: Yes. Again, Dimpletape is not effective on thin blade propellers. Nothing will help those. Q: Should you place Dimpletape on the backside of the propeller or the
bottom of the wings? How about symmetrical airfoils such as struts? A: Yes, only if the backside or bottom has a noticeable camber. Use Dimpletape on both sides of symmetrical airfoils (and hydrofoils). Q: Will Dimpletape stay on propellers? A: In order for Dimpletape to stay on, the propeller surface must be clean before applying the tape. Rub the tape surface with the back of a plastic spoon and then apply a bead of superglue around the perimeter of the tape. Q: How wide is Dimpletape? A: One inch wide. It has 4 staggered rows of holes and one edge that is irregular (the result of splitting a row of holes in the manufacture). Q: Would it help to make the Dimpletape thicker and holes larger? A: No. The present form of Dimpletape is the result of many experiments, tests, and the dictates of the manufacturing process. Q: What can be done if Dimpletape does not work on the propeller? A: It does happen that a particular thin blade propeller may get negative results. But before taking the tape off, consider using the tape as a template for putting dimples in the surface of the propeller-chances are by doing so the propeller will have improved performance. Q: Why not cover the entire airfoil with Dimpletape? A: It only takes a little Dimpletape to do the job. The tape does add some drag to the airfoil. Covering the entire surface results in too much drag with no benefit. Q: Is it critical to put Dimpletape on the thick part of the airfoil? A: Yes. Place the Dimpletape near as practical on the maximum camber (usually the thickest part). Generally, the airstream will stay in contact with the surface up to the maximum camber, but after reaching the maximum camber, the airstream will not stay on the surface the rest of the way to the trailing edge. Dimpletape at the maximum camber adds low level or microscopic turbulence, which will attach the upper airstream. In this way the trailing edge separation is reduced, the wake drag reduced, and efficiency is increased. Q: Should the full width of Dimpletape be used on the propeller? Wings? A: Dimpletape, with 2 rows of holes is adequate for propeller, and
even for wings. A single row of holes will suffice for the stabilizers, but a
wider tape looks better. I recommend the one inch wide tape for wings, and 2
rows of holes wide for the propeller and stabilizers, and one row of holes
wide for struts. Q: How can you tell if the Dimpletape is effective? A: Record the performance of the airplane, boat or auto before applying Dimpletape. You must have a basis for comparison with the performance obtained with Dimpletape. Q: Why does the Dimpletape have a rough or serrated edge on one side? A: The tape when cut through a row of holes leaves the so-called serrated edge. The serrated edge should be placed forward, or nearest the leading edge of the airfoil. It is possible that even a straight paint edge can cause complete separation of airflow. Providing the tape with an irregular serrated edge is a conservative effort to avoid that possibility. Q: Can Dimpletape be put on a cloth surface? A: Yes. A warm clothes iron will do an excellent job. Speed skaters use the tape on the inside and outside of their arms and legs, as well as the outside of their bodies to reduce the trailing wake drag of their bodies –makes them go faster. Q: Can Dimpletape be used on things other than airplanes or
automobiles? A: Yes. Dimpletape can give positive results when used on boats, bicycles, windmills and their supports, and even boat paddles. Dimpletape can be used on anything that has an airfoil or hydrofoil. |
