Artificial shark skin will allow you to swim faster

Shark skin has many small cloves. The researchers decided to use this natural ability in creating special materials.

A team of researchers have created a computer model of the surface by scanning the skin of a Mako shark. Then, using a 3D printer, scientists have created a foil, Packed with thousands of 2-millimeter denticles. Synthetic material placed on the robotic arm, and placed the mechanism in running water.

It was found that in slow-flowing water, the structure of the material, reduces drag by 8.7%. When the movement of the water increased, the researchers noted an increase in swimming speed by 6.6% and reduced energy consumption by 5.9%. Scientists believe that the resulting "shark" material can be used to develop various materials, including swimwear.

Source: nauka24news.ru/