Unveiling the Secrets of Drag on Partially Submerged Objects: Insights from Fluid Dynamics Researchers

Researchers at Brown University conducted a study on drag resistance by partially submerging spheres in a water stream. They found that drag on a partially submerged object can be several times greater than on a fully submerged object made of the same material. The drag increased as the spheres were lowered into the water, reaching its peak just before the sphere became fully submerged. Surprisingly, the sphere coated with a superhydrophobic material, which is highly water repellent, experienced more drag than the less water-repellent spheres. The findings shed light on the complex mechanics of drag on partially submerged objects and may have implications for designs operating at the air-water interface.