U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shaun Griffin
Popular Mechanics: Navy Testing Superhydrophobic Hull Coatings For Submarines
The water-repellent coating should make submarines and other ships more fuel efficient, faster, and quieter.
A new water-repellent coating under development by the University of Michigan could reduce fuel costs for U.S. Navy ships, increasing fuel economy by making it easier for them to cut through water. The new coating could also make ships—especially submarines—faster and quieter.
Researchers at the University of Michigan funded by the Office of Naval Research are trying to develop durable “superhydrophobic” water coatings for ship hulls. Water encounters less friction passing over air bubbles than it does a ship’s hull, so the solution is to cover the hull in literally millions of tiny air bubbles. This reduces drag, which also reduces the amount of energy needed to drive a ship. That means increased fuel efficiency and longer ranges for warships.
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WNU Editor: The impact that this technology would have on the shipping industry is huge. But should the U.S. declassify technology that would give it an added advantage for its submarine and naval forces? This is where this debate is heading.
