THE_REYNOLDS_LIMIT (Re)
The Reynolds Number () is a mathematical constant that tells us how air behaves around an object. It compares Inertial Forces (the air's desire to keep moving) against Viscous Forces (the air's "stickiness").
SCALE IMPACT DATA
LOW RE (MICRO DRONES / INSECTS)
- Viscosity: Air feels thick like honey or oil.
- Stability: Air "clings" to the wing and detaches in large, unstable bubbles.
- Efficiency: Very high drag; the drone must fight the air's stickiness constantly.
HIGH RE (SPECTER V2 / LARGE UAVs)
- Inertia: Air feels thin and fluid like water.
- Stability: The mass of the air pushes smoothly over the wing.
- Efficiency: Air stays "attached" to the surface longer, allowing for predictable lift.
Specter Design Hack: On smaller drone wings, we use "Turbulators"—small ridges on the front of the wing. These intentionally create tiny bits of turbulence that actually help the air "stick" to the wing better at low Reynolds numbers.