Abstract: A spring-loaded pivoting end plate that is hinged such that it is deployed by centrifugal force into the airstream to thereby act as an aerodynamic brake for wind turbines in overspeed conditions. The brake has a stationary portion fixed on the tip of the turbine rotor and a pivoting portion hinged for movement with respect to the fixed portion. The longitudinal centerline of the brake coincides with the chord line of the turbine blade and the pivoting movement is about a hinge axis that is normal to the rotational plane of the turbine. The planform of the brake has a low aspect ratio shape with the ratio of the fore and aft chordwise length to the width being one or greater. The edges of the brake in the normal running condition extend beyond the contour of the turbine blade to serve as an end plate such that the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade is improved thereby.

Abstract: A strake, or strakes, or faired simulation of same, mounted on a typical engine nacelle or similar wing mounted body to reduce or prevent the formation of vortices usually occurring with nacelle-wing combinations to improve the lift and drag characteristics of the combination and improve the stability of the aircraft since the undesireable variations of downwash changes over the tail surfaces are reduced or eliminated.