Taking cues from the underwater world, where denizens of the deep have been perfecting their swimming skills for millennia, MIT scientists are building a generation of nimbler, more efficient ships.
Powered by oscillating foils similar to a penguin's flippers, a prototype 12-foot vessel recently took its maiden voyage in Boston's Charles River. During tests, the Penguin Boat's onboard computer showed a 15 percent increase in efficiency over other craft. "When a body moves through water, it is slowed by friction," notes project head Michael Triantafyllou. Fish, on the other hand, manipulate friction to their advantage.
Next, the scientists will create a 100- to 200-foot version. "If successful, the technology will be ready for real applications," Triantafyllou says. Then, "it will be up to the market to decide what it wants to build."
-Miguel Helft
ELECTRIC WORD
MIT Goes Fishing
