Passive Air Lubrication: Demonstrating a Research Vessel Coated with a Hull of Air

Superhydrophobic air-retaining surfaces represent a bioinspired approach to friction reduction in shipping. A ship, which is coated with permanent layer of air will show a reduction in (i) friction, (ii) biofouling, (iii) corrosion and (iv) noise. AIRCOAT aims to develop a passive air lubrication technology for marine applications, using self-adhesive foils instead of paints and is inspired by the Salvinia effect. This paper introduces the biomimetic concept with emphasis on the recently demonstrated AIR Spring Effect, which provides a 100-fold higher stability of the air layer against pressure fluctuations. A first test under marine conditions was successfully performed by coating more than the half hull of a 12-meter research vessel with AIRCOAT foil.