Researchers at Ohio State University have found unique surface characteristics of rice leaves and butterfly wings that combine to produce the shark skin (anisotropic flow leading to low drag) and lotus (superhydrophobic and self-cleaning) effects. The researchers noted that the textures enhance fluid flow and prevent surfaces from getting dirty – characteristics that could be mimicked in high-tech surfaces for aircraft and watercraft, pipelines, and medical equipment. Findings are published in the journal Soft Matter. “Nature has evolved many surfaces that are self-cleaning or reduce drag,” said the lead researcher Bharat Bhushan. “Reduced drag is desirable for industry, whether you’re… Login to continue

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