Re: [Paddlewise] Dolphin skin key to subaquatic speed

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 06:05:24 -0700
Carey Parks wrote:
> So how long do we suppose a reasonable kayak hull would last?
> 
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:12 AM, James Farrelly <JFarrelly5_at_comcast.net>wrote:
> 
>> The research team wanted to find out what role the dolphin's skin played in
>> reducing 'form drag' - the pressure of water against the skin. Dolphins have
>> extremely soft, flaky skin which they shed every two hours. By modelling how
>> the water flows over the flakes, and how they are eventually shed, the
>> research team was able to conclude that the softness of the skin does
>> reduce friction.

Good question; pretty much has to be a living thing to regenerate skin at 
the rate these guys lose it.  If a kayak with ablative skin smells like 
most marine mammals, we might become very unpopular in restaurants, and 
never get laid, either!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Wed May 12 2010 - 06:05:26 PDT

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