Method and apparatus for eliminating boundary layer separation from flight vehicles

摘要

The wing of an aircraft is coated with a layer (26) of material emitting alpha and/or beta particles. Emission is controlled by the signal applied to superimposed semiconductor layers (28, 30). A probe is mounted in the surface of the aircraft wing and may consist of 1,000 turns of fine wire on a ferrite rod. The probe detects electromagnetic radiation generated in the presence of turbulence. The amplified signal from the probe controls a switching circuit (Fig. 2) providing the controlling signal to the semiconductor layers (28, 30), whereby particle emission is enabled on detection of turbulence, thereby to reduce skin friction and reduce the turbulence. The use of the probe to cause energisation of a warning device in the aircraft cockpit to indicate inpending stall is also disclosed. IMAGE