Fresh Science

Octopus jets the key to greener flights: synthetic jets improve aerodynamics of aircraft

Posted in: 2009, NSW Tags: 2009, aerodynamics, airplanes, aviation, engineering, jellyfish, jets, marine science, NSW, octopuses, squid, University of New South Wales, wings

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have improved the aerodynamics of aircraft by putting rows of tiny synthetic jets along the wings of aeroplanes —much like the suck and blow jets octopuses use to move through the water. The models tested demonstrated smoothing of the air flow over the wing section. This would…