24-10-2012, 01:26 PM
Boiling Heat Transfer Surface
ABSTRACT
This patent application relates to a system for a vehicle that creates and maintains a gas/vapor cavity to reduce drag and
increase propulsion efficiency. The gas/vapor cavity also can be used to reduce noise received by a sonar system. The system
to create and maintain a gas/vapor cavity about a hull surface includes a fence selectively extendable above and below the hull
surface. A gas venting means is positioned beneath the hull surface downstream from the fence. The vented gas can be used
to create a gas/vapor cavity downstream from said fence to cover the hull surface. A heat source also is positioned downstream
from the fence and beneath the hull surface. The heat source is capable of heating the hull surface to create or maintain the
gas/ vapor cavity on the hull surface. A sensor and controller also can be provided to control the cavity. (2 figures)