A new proposal from the University of Michigan is rethinking the design of unmanned vehicles. Researchers have developed a spherical prototype with a variable surface, capable of modifying its external texture with dimples similar to those of a golf ball. The goal? To improve the efficiency and control of aerial and underwater vehicles.
Inspiration in sports, application in engineering
Golf balls have dimples for a clear reason: they reduce air resistance, allowing them to reach up to 30% farther than a smooth surface. Inspired by this physical principle, the team led by Professor Anchal Sareen designed a dynamic coating capable of adapting to the flow of the surrounding medium, be it water or air.
The device, covered by a latex foil over a perforated sphere, can precisely generate dimples by applying vacuum inside. These dimples are activated and deactivated according to the flow velocity, allowing up to 50% reduction in drag. In addition, they can generate lift by modifying the dimple distribution, providing precise maneuvering without the need for moving components such as rudders or flaps.
The system takes advantage of an asymmetric dimple configuration to redirect the flow and generate lateral forces. This technique achieves results comparable to the Magnus effect, but without relying on rotation. Thus, the spheres can change direction simply by adjusting their surface texture.
Increased efficiency for unmanned vehicles
The potential applications of this technology are wide-ranging. From underwater drones that access hard-to-enter areas to energy-efficient ocean probes, this type of control could replace traditional propulsion systems. Researchers also anticipate integrating soft materials and smart sensors to achieve automatic responses to the environment.
The research points to a generation of unmanned vehicles that can optimize their shape in real time. This adaptability would improve energy efficiency and reduce mechanical wear and tear, while facilitating tasks such as ocean mapping, environmental data collection or discrete surveillance missions.
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Source and internal photo: University of Michigan
Main photo: shutterstock
