Air Friction - matte surface vs smooth

[ninjalectual1]

On the Gateway Discs website, a writer says "the more matted the finish on a disc, the less contact the air makes with the disc's surface. We try very hard to create a matted finish with the rubber in our materials, causing less surface friction and a reduction in drag."

Is this completely crazy, or am I crazy for not getting it? It seems to me that the matte surface would act like ten thousand little ridges, each adding slightly more friction, in the same way a really beat up disc made of soft plastic (like Innova's DX) would.

Or can the matte surface really act like the dimples on a golf ball? Something's missing here, and I don't trust my understanding enough to confidently say "you're wrong!"

 

[DJdarkness73]

It seems to me that the matte surface would act like ten thousand little ridges, each adding slightly more friction, in the same way a really beat up disc made of soft plastic (like Innova's DX) would.

I think this is the part that is confusing you. A beat up disc acts like a golf ball the same way the matte finish does. Or at least thats what its supposed to do.

 

[zenbot]

It seems counter intuitive but it creates less drag.

 

[zenbot]

Mythbusters on the subject.


http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-dimpled-car-minimyth.htm

 

[dysmike]

It seems counter intuitive but it creates less drag.

Just like the tailgate being up on a pickup, and dimples on a golf ball or surfboard.

 

[DiscinFiend]

Mythbusters on the subject.


http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-dimpled-car-minimyth.htm

Your link doesn't work :\

 

[BogeyNoMore]

By providing thousands pores for air to latch onto, the matte finish allows air to remain trapped at the surface of the disc. This creates a smoother profile aerodynamically.

 

[DiscinFiend]

By providing thousands pores for air to latch onto, the matte finish allows air to remain trapped at the surface of the disc. This creates a smoother profile aerodynamically.

So beat in DX/Pro D discs are more aerodynamic than Champ/Z plastic discs? So baseline plastics have more potential distance &/or glide than premium plastics? Can someone break down the plastics for me please.

 

[zenbot]

FORTUNATELY TEH GOOGLEZ WERKS!!!!1

 

[zenbot]

So beat in DX/Pro D discs are more aerodynamic than Champ/Z plastic discs? So baseline plastics have more potential distance &/or glide than premium plastics? Can someone break down the plastics for me please.

In my experience and observations from the forums in the years I've been here this has always been the case.

 

[nolangherity]

Can someone break down the plastics for me please.

i mean you could buy used discs i suppose... but the plastic will break down with regular use, nothin to it but to do it nam sayen?

 

[ScottyLove]

But what about all the tiny plastic particles left behind in the woods... that's a bunch of litter and harmful to the planet... right, guys?

 

[atvan]

As far as I know, the physics behind it is that with smooth surface the boundary layer (the air that the disc is pulling along with it) remains laminar (the air is flowing uniformly) for a longer period of time. This, in itself, would reduce drag, but when the boundary layer becomes turbulent, it can detach from the surface and greatly reduce drag. The matte surface forces the boundary layer to become turbulent sooner, and thus prevents separation. This same principle is important to aircraft wings, and is why some model airplanes will have sandpaper on the leading edge or their wings.

 

[MrFixIt]

Rocket science... who woulda thunk it?

 

[ohtobediscing]

As far as I know, the physics behind it is that with smooth surface the boundary layer (the air that the disc is pulling along with it) remains laminar (the air is flowing uniformly) for a longer period of time. This, in itself, would reduce drag, but when the boundary layer becomes turbulent, it can detach from the surface and greatly reduce drag. The matte surface forces the boundary layer to become turbulent sooner, and thus prevents separation. This same principle is important to aircraft wings, and is why some model airplanes will have sandpaper on the leading edge or their wings.

Reread again. You just said the exact opposite in corresponding sentences.:\

 

[brandocommando9]

Just like the tailgate being up on a pickup, and dimples on a golf ball or surfboard.

Surfboards are smooth. Lol!

 

[DiscinFiend]

i mean you could buy used discs i suppose... but the plastic will break down with regular use, nothin to it but to do it nam sayen?

I understand plastics will lose stability with regular use. I don't think you understand what I'm saying :|

 

[MurderMike41370]

What does it matter if there is drag or not? Paul McBeth is till going to win regardless....

 

[Oldstump]

By providing thousands pores for air to latch onto, the matte finish allows air to remain trapped at the surface of the disc. This creates a smoother profile aerodynamically.

it's called turbulation in small (model size) aerodynamics

 

[dmk1978]

my head hurts