Method for applying an aerodynamically functional film

The invention relates to a method for applying an aerodynamically functional film to a body around which complex flow occurs, for example on a commercial aircraft. The method comprises the following steps: - determining the flow lines (4) on the surface (7) of the body around which flow occurs for a predefined state of surrounding flow on the basis of a computer model (1) of the body, using numerical flow simulation; - developing at least one surface segment (3) of the computer model (1), which surface segment is provided with flow lines (4), to form a two-dimensional area; - locating at least one coherent field (10, 20, 30, 40) in the developed surface segment (3) by means of local flow directions which can be read on the flow lines (4) in a predefined angular range about a main flow direction of the relevant field (10, 20, 30, 40); and - within the field limit (10.1-4, 11.1-4, 12.1-4, 13.1-4) of the at least one field (10, 20, 30, 40) located in the processed surface segment, applying an aerodynamically functional film to the body around which flow occurs and, as required, cutting said film to size such that the aerodynamically functional film is oriented in the main flow direction of the relevant field.