Patent — available for licensing
Synthesis and Development of Polyurethane Coatings Containing Fluorine Groups for Adhesive Applications
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Accumulation of insect strikes on the leading edge of airplane wings is a more serious problem than one might realize. Depending on the magnitude, such accumulation changes the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing causing a change from laminar to turbulent flow and resulting in decreased lift and increased drag. Overall, this also results in decreased fuel efficiency. According to a study published in 1950, the drag coefficient measured on an aircraft wing was determined to increase as much as 100%. Although much work has been done to mitigate this problem. Proposed solutions include elastic surfaces, coatings , soluble films, and fluid covers. Each of these approaches had significant drawbacks.