Fluid Dynamics

[Thales]

Recently I have seen several articles popping up about how streamlined shapes may actually be less efficient aero/hydrodynamically than was once thought. The observation of the bumps on the leading edge of humpback whales fins, lead to a detailed analysis of the efficiency of these bumps, hyrodymaically speaking. The study concluded that the eddies produced by the bumps as they glide through the water slightly lowers the pressure of the surrounding water increased the ease with which the whale could manevour.

 

A similar article about using 'wavy' hulls appeared in last week new scientist. It concluded that the wash/wake produced by a ship was severly reduced by modifying the shape of the hull so it too produced miniture vorticies that reduced the 'drag' the ship experienced. Less violent wakes are not only safer and more environmentally responsible but mean there is less energy disipated. That combined with the increased ease of movement adds up to produce what could be deemed a revolution in fliud dynamics.

 

Imagine the implications. Everything from cars to planes may soon have designs which more accurately match natures perfect imperfections, giving us aircraft with much higher stall angles and quite aesthetically unique cars.

[Dave]

Whilst I don't take anything from New Scientist at face value, I do agree that we should be looking to nature for these things. Millions of years of evolution have produced some of the fastest and most aerodynamic creatures around - nature has to be doing something right.