[sci.military] Turbulent Flow on Submarine Skin

seningen@cs.utexas.edu (Michael Seningen) (09/01/89)

From: oakhill!serval!seningen@cs.utexas.edu (Michael Seningen)
I do not remember the source but I overheard or read the foloowing
while working on the 688's in college. (IBM - ANBSY1 (SubACS)) I heard
that fast soviet subs release a substance on the outer shell of the sub
such  that eddies  form in the opposite direction of  water flow.  This
sorta lubricates the interface and allows for faster underwater
speeds.  I am not that knowledgeable about the mechanics whether this
would work or not but conceptionally it sounds as if it should.  I do
not know whether the counter eddies allow the water to flow
non-turbulent or not.

If any body can back this up or has a better explanation I would love to hear about it.

--
Mike Seningen
oakhill!serval!seningen