Researchers have discovered an innovative way to reduce drag on vehicles by taking inspiration from pickleballs. Experts observed that the dimples on pickleballs help the balls move more efficiently through the air. Applying this concept, they developed a skin with adjustable dimples for vehicles.
Revolutionizing Vehicle Efficiency
The new technology features a surface with dimples that can change shape on demand. This allows vehicles to reduce drag or even steer more efficiently. By controlling the size and pattern of the dimples, engineers can adapt the vehicle’s surface to different driving conditions. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance for cars, drones, and even airplanes.
Inspired by Everyday Objects
The idea came from closely studying how pickleballs, which have a unique dimpled surface, travel smoothly through the air. This simple inspiration led to a high-tech solution that could shape the future of transportation. As researchers continue to refine this technology, expect to see vehicles with surfaces that change in real-time to cut through air more efficiently.
Sources:
https://www.snexplores.org/article/dimples-reduce-drag-vehicles
