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Demonstration of Drag Reduction Using Nanotube Coated Hydrophobic Surfaces

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
77104 		Program Year/Program:
2006 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
N064-024-0459 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Mainstream Engineering Corporation
200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2006
Title: Demonstration of Drag Reduction Using Nanotube Coated Hydrophobic Surfaces
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N00014-06-M-0194
Award Amount: $69,916.00
 

Abstract:

With higher fuel costs and desire for ehanced performance, new techniques for improving efficiencies in marine propulsion are required. The reduction of the viscous drag is one such technique. Various active and passive measures have been extensively researched with mixed results for total energy savings. However, recent research in microfluidics has indicated significant drag reduction using super-hydrophobic surfaces. To achieve this, a low free energy surface with micro-scale roughness is required. One promising technique uses chemically treated nanotubes as the super-hydrophobic surface which results in high contact angles with low hysteresis. However, previous methods for creating these nanotube coated surfaces are not feasible for manufacturing large-scale structures due to cost and complexity. Mainstream will rely on its expertise in innovative fabrication processes for nanotubes to demonstrate super-hydrophobic surfaces using chemically treated nanotubes that are feasible for large-scale surfaces. The Phase I effort will characterize the optimum properties of the nanotube coated hydrophobic surface and demonstrate the feasibility of this surface for macro-scale drag reduction using small-scale test surfaces in a fully turbulent flow through computational and experimental methods. Phase II will fabricate and test nanotube coated hydrophobic surfaces of model size with Reynolds numbers typical of marine vessels. BENEFITS: The drag reduction capability using nanotube coatings will have application for a variety of commercial marine vessels used within the private and military sectors to improve fuel efficiency and/or allowing for increased maximum velocity. This technology has a potential to be used with an anticorrosive or anti-fouling coating for long life within wetted conditions thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Principal Investigator:

Michael Curbirth
PI/Sr. Mechanical Enginee
3216313550
mcutbirth@mainstream-engr.com

Business Contact:

Michael Rizzo
Controller
3216313550
mar@mainstream-engr.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP.
200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL 32955

EIN/Tax ID: 592744408
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
STANFORD UNIV.
Thermoscience Group Bldg. 520
Stanford, CA 94305
Contact: Godfrey Mungal
Contact Phone: (656) 725-2019
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university