Research Status of Marine Drag Reduction Technologies

Navigation objects in the water, such as ship, submarine and torpedo play important roles in the ocean economic development and defense. Traveling speed and energy consumption are significant parameters which determine the operating performance of navigation objects. Utilizing drag reduction technologies to reduce the water resistance to navigation objects is of great significance. This article classifies and summarizes some important marine drag reduction technologies by drag-reducing mechanism, and has a brief description of their research status and drag reduction mechanisms, including the bionic, microbubble and hydrophobic/super hydrophobic coating. Based on the existing summary and analysis of marine drag reduction technologies, their future research priorities are also prospected.