Whales & Dolphins Inspire a Novel Design for Wind Turbines

Dolphins and whales have evolved over millions of years to maximize efficiency of movement through water. The human species has been trying to perfect streamlined designs for barely a century.  Biologists and engineers, applying biomimicry, studied the flippers, fins and tails of whales and dolphins, and have discovered some features of their structure that contradict long-held engineering theories.

The shape of whale flippers with one bumpy edge has inspired the creation of a completely novel design for wind turbine blades. This design has been shown to be more efficient and also quieter, but defies traditional engineering theories.

Dr Frank Fish of West Chester University says that the shape of whale flippers has inspired the creation of a completely novel design for wind turbine blades.

"Engineers have previously tried to ensure steady flow patterns on rigid and simple lifting surfaces, such as wings. The lesson from biomimicry is that unsteady flow and complex shapes can increase lift, reduce drag and delay 'stall', a dramatic and abrupt loss of lift, beyond what existing engineered systems can accomplish," Fish said. "There are even possibilities that this technology could be applied to aeronautical designs such as helicopter blades in the future."

Large vortices are formed behind the troughs along the leading edge whereas flow behind the tubercles forms straight streamlines. The effect of these flow patterns induced by the tubercles is to delay stall. (Image credit: E.Paterson)

The research, which was funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Office of Naval Research, looked specifically at the vortices formed in the wake of the marine mammals.

"In the case of the humpback whale, vortices formed from tubercles (bumps) on the front edge of flippers help to generate more lift without the occurrence of stall, as well as enhancing maneuverability and agility," he explained. "In the case of the tails of dolphins, vortices are formed at the end of the up and down strokes. These vortices are involved in the production of a jet in the wake of the dolphin that produces high thrust. By regulating the production of the vortices, the dolphin can maximize its efficiency while swimming."

Posted by Casey Kazan.

Related Galaxy posts:

Biomimicry -A Key to the Planet's Energy Future?
Cetacea: Mind-Bending Theories About the Planet's “Other” Intelligent Life
The Planet's Other "Intelligent" Species: Do Dolphins Have a Sense of the Future?

Sources:

http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0707-whale_biomimicry.html
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/sfeb-wad070308.php

Comments

[Jammy DoLotts]

Wow dude, you bring up some VERY good points on this one.

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[Lux]

the guy's name is Fish...classic :)

[Greg Esres]

This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

[Greg Esres]

This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

[Greg Esres]

This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

[Greg Esres]

This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

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At least Antony Flew has woken up ...

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I've always wanted to go swimming with a dolphin.

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Very cute, I mean whales and wind turbines? Can someone see the irony here?

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I've always wanted to go swimming with a dolphin.

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

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Interesting that nature inspired a new design here, but did it ever actually hit the market? Can't say I've ever seen this in any news or online anywhere else.

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Fascinating read. Really enjoy watching how new designs are inspired from the most simple of ideas.

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the guy's name is Fish - nice one :)

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall. All the best

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall. All the best :)

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The effect of these flow patterns induced by the tubercles is to delay stall.

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The human species has been trying to perfect streamlined designs for barely a century. Biologists and engineers, applying biomimicry, studied the flippers, fins and tails of whales and dolphins, and have discovered some features of their structure that contradict long-held engineering theories-Right , you are well informed

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I love Dolphins….I wanna swim with some one of these days. Maybe when I go to Florida again this summer :)

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

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This really isn't news; airplanes have been using "vortex generators" for dozens of years in order to delay the stall.

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Dolphins and whales have evolved over millions of years to maximize efficiency of movement through water. It is an unmodifiable fact.

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