Drag reduction is an important area of research for the defense, transportation, sports and biochemical industries. Substantial gains in energy savings, performance and reliability can be attained by reducing vehicle and component drag. Superhydrophobic surfaces promise significant reductions in drag, however, current studies are not definitive and hypotheses for the reduced drag range from molecular interactions to the formation of vapor layers and pockets. While most of these studies are confined to microscale internal flows, at the MTFL we are interested in using and integrating these micro-nanoscale drag reduction technologies in macroscale objects. For example, surface micro-nanoscale saw-tooth ridges can be integrated into liquid immersed macroscale bodies, such as sea vessels, to induce the creation of trailing vapor pockets to reduce skin friction.

We are particularly interested in the integration and drag reduction characterization of nanostructured adhesive films and coatings in meso and macroscale test samples and common aerodynamic objects, such as sporting goods and vehicle body components. We are also interested in confirming and elucidating the presence and role of vapor pockets in the friction reduction phenomenon through the use of near surface optical techniques, such as total internal refraction fluorescence (TIRF) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in especially designed test samples.