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← ScienceWhich phenomenon causes increased drag when the Reynolds number exceeds a critical value for airflow around an aircraft wing?
A)Transition to turbulent boundary layer✓
B)Onset of laminar flow separation
C)Formation of a compression shockwave
D)Decrease in pressure-gradient thickness
💡 Explanation
Exceeding the critical Reynolds number causes transition to a turbulent boundary layer, because this increases momentum transfer and skin friction drag, therefore resulting in larger drag, rather than sustained laminar flow.
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