The Coanda Effect and How my Dyson Uses It

The Coanda effect is a phenomenon in fluid dynamics that describes the tendency of a fluid (such as a gas or a liquid) to adhere to and follow the contour of a curved surface rather than continuing to travel in a straight line. This effect occurs when a fluid stream, like a jet of air, encounters a curved or convex surface, causing the fluid to bend and conform to the shape of that surface.

Key points about the Coanda effect:

1. **Adhesion to Curved Surfaces:** When a fluid stream, like air or water, approaches a curved surface, it clings to that surface rather than separating from it. This is because the pressure on the inside of the curve is lower than the pressure on the outside, which draws the fluid toward the curve.

2. **Aircraft and Aerodynamics:** The Coanda effect has significant applications in aviation and aerodynamics. It is used in aircraft design, particularly for creating lift and controlling the direction of airflow over wings and control surfaces. For example, flaps and slats on airplane wings can utilize the Coanda effect to improve lift and maneuverability.

3. **Industrial Applications:** The Coanda effect is also employed in various industrial applications, such as air handling systems, exhaust ventilation, and fluid control devices. It can be used to direct airflow or fluids precisely where they are needed.

4. **Influence on Design:** Engineers and designers often take advantage of the Coanda effect when developing products or systems where controlling the path of a fluid stream is essential.

In the context of the Dyson Airwrap or other hairstyling tools, the Coanda effect is utilized to create a high-velocity jet of air that wraps and molds the hair around a curved attachment, such as a curling barrel or a brush. This allows users to style their hair effectively without having to manually wind the hair around the tool, as the Coanda effect helps draw the hair onto the attachment, making hairstyling more convenient and efficient.