On the two-dimensional rotational body of maximal Newtonian resistance

Abstract

We investigate, by means of computer simulations, shapes of nonconvex bodies that maximize resistance to their motion through a rarefied medium, considering that the bodies are moving forward and at the same time slowly rotating. A two-dimensional geometric shape that confers to the body a resistance very close to the theoretical supremum value is obtained, which improves previous results. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.