Microscale roughness breakthrough defies 80 years of fluid dynamics

Logically, you would think a sleek surface has optimal aerodynamics—but recent research at Tohoku University turns this fundamental principle on its head.

Applying an irregular microscale surface texture reduced the aerodynamic drag of a test model.

The innovation has potential applications in the design of fuel-efficient vehicles.

The study is published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics. ...