Dreamliner and Vort-X tunnel fins: the collective subconscious in action.

During 2013 we decided to improve the amazing Vort-X tunnel fin's hydrodynamic capabilities by adding a scalloped trailing edge to induce more efficient mixing of the water where the internal and external flow meets.

Tunnel fin flow simulation with straight trailing edge

Scalloped training edge on Rampant 10-6" Vort-X tunnel fin

     To our surprise we discovered that others had been thinking, and designing, along the same lines... namely the team at Rolls Royce whose new Dreamliner 787 engines incorporate exactly the same feature for precisely the same reasons. The Vort-X fin feature is somewhat more complex as it includes trailing edge channels on the outer foil surface, in addition to a sinusoidal pattern in the trailing edge elevation ( i.e. looking at the fin from behind) but the principle involved is the same in both cases.

Rolls Royce Dreamliner 787 scalloped engine cowling.

Vort-X tunnel fins with the new wavy trailing edge will soon be available in high impact polycarbonate, with a choice of Futures or FCS fin tabs, for retrofitting to single or multi finned surfboards. Drop us a message to become part of Warp Drive surfboard fin 2.0.