Lubricating Flows by Sheathing Solid Surfaces

摘要

The concepts in this work have a practical application to superhydrophobic surfaces and surfaces possessing Lei-denfrost layers irrespective of surface shape. To reduce friction or drag for flow of a liquid past a surface a plastron can be created. However, the plastron needs to balance having a sufficient thickness to allow an internal air recirculation to develop, whilst not being so thick as to create an obstruction or constriction of the external flow.