Friction reduction for watercraft and ships ejects gas from nozzles on submerged hull to form thin gas film between hull and water.

摘要

A thin layer of gas between hull and surrounding water is applied from nozzles in the submerged part of the hull. The nozzles are designed so as to absorb air by the underpressure of the passing water. At greater depth the gas is pressed in below the vessel by a compressor. A drive in the forward part of the hull sets the ship movement and ejects a mix of gas and water to form the gas film and so reduce friction below the hull, using several drives spread along the submerged part of the hull for larger vessels. It is possible to use combustion gas of the drive to form the gas film as required.