NASA develops antistick coating to improve aircraft aerodynamics
MAR 11, 2016
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029651
Bloomberg : Bugs smashed on airplane bodies and wings are not just messy—they interfere with the performance of the aircraft. NASA scientists are developing nonstick surfaces that would prevent bug residue from adhering to aircraft and increase the chances that what remains will erode or fall off during flight. So far the research team reports modest success with two coatings modeled on the lotus plant, which repels water because of the microscopic pits and ridges on its leaves. Although to date the materials block just 40% of bug splats, even that amount could help airlines save millions of dollars in fuel costs each year.
© 2016. American Institute of Physics