Editing Slipstream (section)

==Overview==
A slipstream created by [[turbulent flow]] has a slightly lower pressure than the ambient fluid around the object. When the flow is [[laminar flow|laminar]], the pressure behind the object is higher than the surrounding fluid. The shape of an object determines how strong the effect is. In general, the more [[aerodynamic]] an object is, the smaller and weaker its slipstream will be. For example, a box-like front (relative to the object's motion) will collide with the medium's particles at a high rate, transferring more momentum from the object to the fluid than a more aerodynamic object. A bullet-like profile will cause less [[turbulence]] and create a more [[laminar flow]].

A tapered rear will permit the particles of the medium to rejoin more easily and quickly than a truncated rear. This reduces lower-pressure effect in the slipstream, but also increases [[skin friction]] (in engineering designs, these effects must be balanced).