The latter phenomenon has been known since the middle of last century, but has not yet been successfully applied in technical applications. Experts from Fraunhofer IFAM and the Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt GmbH (HSVA) have, together with two other research partners, now developed a surface coating, which, like the dolphin skin, measurably reduces the surface friction resistance in water. In order to develop a suitable material, scientists from the HSVA have carried out flow calculations for a nearly six-meter long ship model. These were supported by additional calculations at the Technical University of Hamburg.

More Information: ifam.fraunhofer.de/presse