University Discovers how Golf Ball Dimples Work

[TGP37]

And now the exact reasons why are known. And this video made me think of a manifold and air flow around the bends.

Since the dimples delay separation, it should do the same for a short side radius. With knowledge how, we can then figure the optimal size, pattern and depth for each dimple.

[nichols2k]

I saw the mythbusters results when they dimpled a car using clay and the results were remarkable. I wondered if you got a laminate w/ dimples and lined the inside of your intake (CAI) if it would improve airflow. don't have the means to test it though.
(also, waiting for the first dimpled car, the gas mileage would be great, i'd think)

[TGP37]

I saw the mythbusters results when they dimpled a car using clay and the results were remarkable. I wondered if you got a laminate w/ dimples and lined the inside of your intake (CAI) if it would improve airflow. don't have the means to test it though.
(also, waiting for the first dimpled car, the gas mileage would be great, i'd think)

Yeah, and the radius of intake turns is relatively close in scale to that of the golf ball. I also saw that Myth Busters episode a while back. That is how I learned NASCAR banned the textures use. Stating it would be unfair to others so everyone would do it and all cars will look like crap.

If there can be a specific set of rules to dimpling for flow, then anything requiring such can be improved upon. The pocket just before the valve and/or the valve guide boss for exhaust flow.

I think a dimpled aerofoil under the front bumper could help pull air into the engine bay and promote a greater vacuum under the car.

An entire laminate is a good idea to test. I also think just texturing ahead and during the first 50% of a short side radius turn.

But the texture on the golf ball is 3d. The intake has air flowing in one desired direction, so the dimples can be simple speed dips (like speed bumps on the road) but reversed. That could easily be carved into many intake pipes with a die grinder.

[SappySE107]

It works on the flowbench but not like a golfball. The air is moving MUCH faster through the head/valve area and it is different from one area to the next. I bet the depth and distance between dimples varies greatly and would require a super computer to map out every area. Lead dimples effecting the airflow for the dimples behind it. Its not an object traveling through air. Its air traveling inside a box. Now vary that airflow as a pulse with reflections, and you could get even greater impact.

Variable texture runners, only on the 2153 Mercedes S Class.

[pocket-rocket]

It works on the flowbench but not like a golfball. The air is moving MUCH faster through the head/valve area and it is different from one area to the next. I bet the depth and distance between dimples varies greatly and would require a super computer to map out every area. Lead dimples effecting the airflow for the dimples behind it.

All the more reason for CNC porting

[rooster5333]

hey sappy, i have driven that 2153 mercedes you mentioned. really nice car! but will always pull to the right. must be the way i drove it!!

[Azrael]

There was some noise a year or so ago about shark skin-textured vinyl that could cut wind resistance on vehicles. I guess that didn't pan out.

[dskopek]

I don't remember the full details but I think it was Bill Elliot with a Thunderbird that ran a set of "dimpled heads and intake" that set fast time at Daytona some years past. Also remember a piece in Circle Track about dimpling the pistons and intakes.

[SappySE107]

Dimples, ridges, scaling, its all been done everywhere. I have noticed the top BMW porters have ridges on the face of the valves and in the combustion chambers. Without testing, I wouldn't do any of this though.

[TechRod]

Variable texture runners, only on the 2153 Mercedes S Class.

[TGP37]

Dimples, ridges, scaling, its all been done everywhere. I have noticed the top BMW porters have ridges on the face of the valves and in the combustion chambers. Without testing, I wouldn't do any of this though.

I agree about testing. I had many ideas while porting my heads + intake network but learned to dismay them and keep to the plan. It isn't easy for a person to work like a CNC machine, relatively speaking.

I believe progress is a method of knowing all past trials and then conjure something new and test it. 9/10 it is a failed test, but the few ideas that do work are potential gold mines.