Ripple effect

摘要

A coating method for introducing strategic ripples onto the surfaces of aircraft and ships could help improve fuel efficiency. Researchers at Surrey University have used near-infrared radiation to selectively treat a colloidal dispersion of polymers in water to create various solid riblets. Military aircraft have long used 'efficient' coatings on the fuselage, while, more recently, some commercial airliners belonging to carrier easyjet were treated with a similar coating.