WakeStrömung

WakeStrömung is a term used in fluid dynamics to describe the region of disturbed flow behind an object moving through a fluid, such as water or air. This disturbance, known as a wake, is characterized by turbulence and a decrease in velocity compared to the free stream. The shape and characteristics of the wake are influenced by the object's geometry, its speed, and the properties of the fluid.

The formation of a wake is a consequence of viscosity and the principle of conservation of momentum. As an object moves, it pushes the fluid around it. However, due to friction between the fluid and the object's surface (viscous drag), the fluid layers immediately adjacent to the object are slowed down. This slowed fluid then interacts with the surrounding fluid, creating eddies and vortices that constitute the turbulent wake.

In aquatic environments, the wake left by a boat or a swimming animal is a visible manifestation of this phenomenon. The churning water behind a vessel is a wake, and its size and intensity depend on the boat's speed and hull design. Similarly, the wake behind a fish can affect its swimming efficiency and the ability of other organisms to detect its presence. Understanding wake currents is important in fields like naval architecture, aerodynamics, and ecological studies, as it impacts drag, energy expenditure, and the dispersal of substances.