Dolphins Inspire Nanotech Research at University of Nevada

Filed in archive Research on January 2, 2009

Jonghwan Suhr of the University of Nevada, Reno has received a $400,000 Faculty Early Career Development Program award from the National Science Foundation for his research on materials that mimic dolphins' skin.

"Suhr, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and his colleagues developed new carbon nanotube composite materials with increased strength and damping qualities over conventional materials," writes the University of Nevada's Mike Wolterbeek.

"The new nanotube surface material Suhr's research team created, continuous carbon nanotube-polymer composites, will reduce drag force by increasing aerodynamic efficiency," Wolterbeek writes. "The technology may also be used on wind turbine blades, enhancing the efficiency and reducing noise associated with the renewable energy machines."

"Suhr envisions using the pliable manufactured nanocomposites to allow airplanes and aerospace vehicles to cut through the air more efficiently, saving fuel," Wolterbeek adds. "He is already working with the aircraft company Boeing to investigate creating the artificial skin for wing structures of unmanned air vehicles."