Inspired by shark scales’ tiny ridge-like structures, scientists have developed a new coating system that takes advantage of this ‘riblet effect’ to help vehicles and aircraft minimize drag when flying! It thus, definitely improves vehicles’ and aircraft’s aerodynamics.
Riblets, the tiny ridges that are arranged parallel to the sharks’ swimming direction have a beneficial effect on the speed of a fish’s swimming. This ‘riblets’ help the fish reduce drag in water. Stenzel explains it like this -
That meant we had to look for a tool which didn’t adhere to the lacquer, so that it could impress the required structure onto it.
The shark-inspired prototype combines a suitable lacquer along with the technology for applying it.
Stenzel said,
Our trial lacquer is based on the chemistry used in aviation paints. It is mechanically very durable and... should also be resistant to strong UV radiation at high altitude.
With this technology we can apply any other micro and nano structures to lacquered surfaces.
