Design wind turbines based on whales and dolphins

Marine animals have evolved for millions of years to optimize domestic motion efficiency; while people try to perfect aerodynamic design for about a century. So do we need to pay more attention to expert experts of nature? That's what American biologists and engineers are doing.

By studying the flippers, fins as well as the tail of dolphins and whales, scientists have discovered some of their structural properties that contradict long-standing technical theories. Dr. Frank Fish (University of West Chester) spoke about the interesting impact these discoveries bring to the traditional design industry on Tuesday, July 8, at the annual meeting of the Biology Society. experiment in Marseille.

Some of his observations have been applied to practical technical issues, which are concepts called biomimicry. The whale's paddle shape with bumpy ledges is an inspiration to create an entirely new design for turbine wind turbines. This design is more efficient and quieter, but does not follow traditional technical theories.

(Photo: winddose.com)

Dr. Fish advised: 'Engineers have tried to implement a stable flow model on simple and hard lifting surfaces, such as airplane wings. Lessons from biomimicry are unstable currents and complex shapes that can increase lifting pressure, reduce dragging and delay 'death', sudden loss of lifting pressure, beyond ability capability of the current technical system. It is even possible that this technology can be applied to aviation designs such as future straight-wing aircraft. '

The study focused on the formation of whirlpools or water-jet-shaped currents, created by the movement of animals. Dr. Fish explains: 'In the case of humpback whales, whirlpools are formed from bumps on the front edge of the flippers to create additional lifting pressure without stalling, while also strengthening flexibility. like speed '.

'In the case of the dolphin's tail, the whirlpool is formed at the end of the rising and falling beats. These whirlpools are involved in the formation of water rays following dolphins that create strong thrusts. By forming whirlpools, dolphins can optimize its swimming performance. '