9302381 Schwarz Experiments are to be conducted which characterize the boundary layer with air flow over a flat surface coated with a flexible, complaint material. The effect of surface compliance on linear stability of the boundary layer, transition to turbulence, and drag reduction for turbulent flow will be systematically explored. Preliminary experiments have been completed to demonstrate that increase of stability is possible with a compliant surface in air flow. Drag and turbulence transition reduction from a compliant surface is known to exist for flow of a liqud, with important hydronautic and liquid pumping application. For air or a gas, similar energy saving possibilities are implied by this research. ***
