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2.11.  BOUNDARY LAYER

Figure 2.12, Boundary Layer Flow, shows laminar and turbulent flow and the transition point in between. The boundary layer is the air close to the aircraft wings' upper surfaces. In the forward portion of the boundary layer, the air flows in layers, or separate sheets, called laminae. These layers slide over one another with little mingling of the air particles. However, behind the leading edge there is a transition point where the layer thickens, the airflow becomes turbulent, and one layer mixes with another. This results in increased drag. To aid in preventing boundary-layer turbulence, fences are installed as shown in figure 2.13.

Figure 2.12. Boundary Layer Flow.

Figure 2.13. Wing Fences.

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