Viscous Flow and Pressure Coefficient

[snido727]

I am doing a project for my aerodynamics class, basically its a simplified version of the thin airfoil theory + vortex paneling method; and I have been asked the following the question: What effect does a large positive dCp/dX (Cp=Pressure Coefficient, x=position) have on the real viscous flow? However I am very confused about it, as I understand it viscosity is independent of pressure, but I'm guessing he is referring to some other component of a viscous flow that I am just not understanding...Sorry I can't be more descriptive, I am really lost here. Thanks in advance

 

[Navin A S]

.A large positive dCp/dX would indicate an increase in pressure along the x-axis. This could result in a number of different effects on the real viscous flow, depending on the specific conditions of the flow. For example, if the flow has a high Reynolds number (i.e. it is turbulent), then the increased pressure gradient along the x-axis could cause the flow to become more turbulent, resulting in increased levels of viscous drag. On the other hand, if the flow has a low Reynolds number (i.e. it is laminar), then the increased pressure gradient could cause the flow to become more laminarized, resulting in lower levels of viscous drag.