Tailored surface vibrations to improve aerodynamic performance in passenger jets
University of Colorado Boulder researchers are exploring the use of synthetic subsurface materials to create microscopic vibrations that reduce aerodynamic drag on passenger jets. This phononics-based approach aims to significantly improve fuel efficiency in commercial aviation.
Why it matters
Improving fuel economy in aviation could lead to massive cost savings for airlines and a substantial reduction in the environmental impact of air travel.
by Jeff Zehnder, University of Colorado at Boulder
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Add as preferred source Visualization of super resonance on a coiled phononic structure. Credit: Hussein et al./ CU Boulder A passenger jet soars across the sky at 640 mph (1,030 kilometers per hour), its wings pummeled with wind and boundary-layer turbulence, challenging the plane's operation and efficiency. Advancing research from Mahmoud I. Hussein aims to prevent that turbulence with engineered microscopic vibrations from synthetic subsurface materials that can dramatically improve fuel efficiency.
Commercial planes consume over 10,000 gallons (37,900 liters) of jet fuel on a single cross-country trip, so improvements in fuel economy could lead to big savings for airlines.
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