Micro-drag generators for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic braking and

Abstract

An apparatus and method for generating large drag forces on an object moving through a gas or liquid for braking and/or turning the object by deploying on the exterior surface of an object a very large number of very small surfaces that are aligned perpendicular to the local surface low direction. The large drag force results from the summation of a very large number of very small drag forces generated by each of the very small surfaces as the local flow separates on the downstream side of each of the very small surfaces. The very large number of very small surfaces of the novel device are selectively actuated and extended into the gas or fluid stream that is moving along the body of an air vehicle, ground vehicle, or water vehicle to produce a large drag value. The present invention is also comprised of a means to retract and stow the very small surfaces that have been extended into the gas or fluid stream passing over the vehicle. The present invention is comprised of a means to actuate each of the very small surfaces. The present invention is comprised of a means to sense a signal indicating the need to actuate the very small surfaces to generate a braking or turning drag force. The novel device comprised of a very large number of very small surfaces may also be fabricated into the form-fitting clothing or uniform of an athlete to produce a large drag value. These small surfaces extend from the exterior surface of the form fitting clothing and extend into the gas or fluid stream that is moving along the body of athlete to create a large drag force that is used for resistance training. The objects and advantages also extend to other applications in which either a gas or fluid is in use such as for the flow in pipes or ducts.