The US Navy Office of the US Navy (ONR) has allocated significant funds to develop a unique water-repellent coating for ship buildings. Its purpose —improve the running characteristics of ships. In addition to water, the oil and alcohol -containing fluids are also “not terrible” to him.
A team of scientists at the University of Michigan works on the creation of such a coating. It is a transparent, durable substance that significantly reduces the friction of the case, which sharply increases its energy efficiency and secrecy.
The physical background of the process is as follows: the perfectly smooth surface of the vessel body is wetted with water, provoking friction that reduces the speed. And with the inevitable overgrowing of the body of the case with shells, the problem acquires an even greater scale. As a result, up to 80 % of the fuel is spent on overcoming friction at small and up to 40-50 % —At high speeds. As it turned out, a decrease in friction contributes to greater secrecy, since turbulence that create noises that are recorded by acoustic devices decrease. In other words, the perfectly smooth body will be as silent as possible. This can be achieved using water -altered coatings.
To create such a coating, a database of known chemicals was involved, which scientists underwent complex computer modeling in order to predict their ability to interact. As a result, a transparent rubber -like substance resistant to mechanical and other influences was obtained that can be sprayed and covered with various surfaces.
Source — Onr