The skin of dolphins, key speed

2004/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

Dolphins can swim at high speed. The aerodynamic body has a great importance in this aspect. Japanese researchers discover that the skin is also important in the speed of dolphins, as it helps reduce water resistance.

The bark of dolphins is made of small and thin scaly parts that are renewed every two hours. Scientists have done a computer simulation by copying the flow of water over the surface of the dolphin, and have studied how each scale is released. To prove the usefulness of simulation, the laboratory has built a dolphin skin model with metal plates and small pieces of film.

Depending on the conclusions, the softness of the skin decreases friction and the scales break small swirls around the dolphin by releasing it. This significantly reduces water resistance.