Abstract

The invention pertains to the use of an easy-to-clean soft fiber-coated material on the underwater surface of structures to mimic mammal pelage and as such reducing residual drag, wherein said material comprises or consists of fibers having an average fiber length between 0.3 and 4 mm, and an average fiber thickness between 5 and 80 μm. The underwater surface of structure is preferably the hull of a movable or moving vessel, or the underwater part of a static structure such as offshore wind monopiles and off-shore rigs. In some embodiments, the invention pertains to the reduction of fuel consumption of a nautical vessel passing through water.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 1/36 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls by reducing surface friction using mechanical means
• F15D 1/12 - Influencing the flow of fluids around bodies of solid material by influencing the boundary layer
• F15D 1/00 - Influencing the flow of fluids
• B63B 1/34 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls by reducing surface friction

Abstract

The invention pertains to the use of an easy-to-clean soft fiber-coated material on the underwater surface of structures to mimic mammal pelage and as such reducing residual drag, wherein said material comprises or consists of fibers having an average fiber length between 0.3 and 4 mm, and an average fiber thickness between 5 and 80 µm. The underwater surface of structure is preferably the hull of a movable or moving vessel, or the underwater part of a static structure such as offshore wind monopiles and off-shore rigs. In some embodiments, the invention pertains to the reduction of fuel consumption of a nautical vessel passing through water.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 1/34 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls by reducing surface friction

Abstract

The invention pertains to the use of an easy-to-clean soft fiber-coated material on the underwater surface of structures to mimic mammal pelage and as such reducing residual drag, wherein said material comprises or consists of fibers having an average fiber length between 0.3 and 4 mm, and an average fiber thickness between 5 and 80 µm. The underwater surface of structure is preferably the hull of a movable or moving vessel, or the underwater part of a static structure such as offshore wind monopiles and off-shore rigs. In some embodiments, the invention pertains to the reduction of fuel consumption of a nautical vessel passing through water.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 1/34 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls by reducing surface friction