Side force on an ogive cylinder: Effects of surface roughness

Abstract

The effects of surface roughness on the side force acting on an ogive cylinder at high incidence were studied. Examination of the circumferential pressure distribution showed revealed that, with the roughened surface at certain roll angles, the boundary layer on both sides of the cylinder appeared turbulent. The results indicted that aluminium powder type of surface roughness used was capable of triggering the laminar turbulent transition in the boundary layers of the ogive cylinders resulting in a side force that fluctuated more with roll angle.