Seraphim
07-17-2005, 05:39 AM
More on link...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20050715/sc_space/fakesharkskincouldmakenavyfleetfaster
Few creatures spawn more fear than sharks. But these complex fish also have provided inspiration for several useful technologies. One new idea has captured the interest of the
U.S. Navy.
Shark skin has been used by many cultures as sandpaper. It's kept shipmates safe in slippery-when-wet conditions. Swimsuits modeled on shark skin are said by Speedo to reduce drag by up to 4 percent.
Now, research by two separate groups could lead to synthetic shark skin that would make ships and submarines faster less expensive to operate.
If the research pans out, submarines -- already stealthy and shark-like -- could become even more so.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20050715/sc_space/fakesharkskincouldmakenavyfleetfaster
Few creatures spawn more fear than sharks. But these complex fish also have provided inspiration for several useful technologies. One new idea has captured the interest of the
U.S. Navy.
Shark skin has been used by many cultures as sandpaper. It's kept shipmates safe in slippery-when-wet conditions. Swimsuits modeled on shark skin are said by Speedo to reduce drag by up to 4 percent.
Now, research by two separate groups could lead to synthetic shark skin that would make ships and submarines faster less expensive to operate.
If the research pans out, submarines -- already stealthy and shark-like -- could become even more so.