At the boundary layer, what type of flow produces more friction but adheres better to a surface?

Study for the NIFE Aerodynamics Exam. Dive into a range of multiple choice questions designed to test your understanding of aerodynamics. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to boost your preparation for the main exam.

In fluid dynamics, a turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and irregular fluid motion, which results in increased mixing and energy dissipation. When it comes to the boundary layer, turbulent flow indeed produces more friction due to its higher velocity gradients and increased shear stress at the surface compared to laminar flow. This heightened friction comes from the presence of eddies and vortices that interact closely with the surface, effectively increasing the overall drag.

At the same time, turbulent flow adheres better to a surface compared to laminar flow. The reason for this improved adherence is tied to the way turbulent flow interacts with the surface. The chaotic nature of turbulence allows it to "stick" to the surface more effectively, maintaining the boundary layer attachment even in conditions that might lead to flow separation in laminar scenarios. This adherence is advantageous in various aerodynamic applications, especially in maintaining attached flow to reduce the risk of flow separation that can lead to increased drag and less efficient performance.

In contrast, laminar flow experiences less friction and is more streamlined; however, it does not adhere to the surface as effectively, making it more susceptible to separation under certain conditions. Other options, like interference and leakage, do not pertain to the characteristics of boundary layer flow types in the context of

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