Systems, methods, and apparatuses for reducing hydrodynamic frictional drag
US10787231B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
4References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatuses are provided for the reduction of hydrodynamic frictional drag. These systems, methods and apparatuses can include a vessel surface having an external layer and a plurality of dimples, wherein the external layer comprises a hydrophilic material, and wherein each of the dimples includes an inner surface having a superhydrophobic coating. The dimples can be configured to maintain an air-water interface as one or more fluids flow over the vessel surface. In some embodiments, a pressure reservoir can be coupled with the dimples, and can include an acoustic speaker to vibrate the air-water interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.