초록 ▼

A body moving through a fluid has air control and directing elements on its outer surface. The elements are laterally and longitudinally spaced and includes elements having a forward curved nose or front portion and tapered tail portions projecting outwardly from the main body. Each of the elements

A body moving through a fluid has air control and directing elements on its outer surface. The elements are laterally and longitudinally spaced and includes elements having a forward curved nose or front portion and tapered tail portions projecting outwardly from the main body. Each of the elements and body space between the elements is covered with parallel ribs extending parallel to the elements. Special elements may include raised flexible tail portions for further interacting with the air or other fluid. The shape of the elements and the ribs are varied in accordance with the desired interaction with the fluid to create the multi-dimensional fluid movement over the surface. Various different shapes and configurations of the elements are described.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A body moving relative to a fluid and having a surface for minimizing opposition to the relative movement therebetween, comprising:a plurality of first tear-shaped elements extending outwardly from said surface of said body in a predetermined direction with respect to said surface a

[ I claim:] [1.] A body moving relative to a fluid and having a surface for minimizing opposition to the relative movement therebetween, comprising:a plurality of first tear-shaped elements extending outwardly from said surface of said body in a predetermined direction with respect to said surface and said fluid, each of said elements having an outer rigid surface and a longitudinal cross section including a forward end generally curving upwardly from a leading end at a substantial rate to a crest and then extending substantially more gradually downwardly to a trailing end and each having a transverse cross section defining a smooth continuously varying curved surface, said plurality of first elements align in rows which define an entrance which changes rapidly from a maximum to a minimal cross section at the crest and then expands laterally from the crest to the trailing end of the adjacent elements, the outer rigid surface of said elements and the surfaces of said body located between said elements being formed with a plurality of riblets including minute series of parallel and alternating peaks and valleys whereby the fluid flow relative to said body minimizes the drag with respect to the relative movement of said body.