New vortex generators could mean better underwater travel

Scientists from the University of Colorado, Boulder have just presented a new design for "vortex generators" that they say can make it easier to maneuver slow-moving underwater vehicles. This new setup, which is inspired by the motions of squid and jellyfish, would make long and sleek submarine vessels able to hover and turn better, which traditionally have been somewhat tricky. The team, lead by Dr. Kamran Mohseni, apparently was able to design an unmanned underwater vehicle that can parallel park (really), although we're not sure what he's worried about, given that as far as we know, meter-mermaids don't exist.

[Via PhysOrg]

[Taylor @ Dec 14th 2006 4:26AM]

I have nothing to say here, except that i'm drunk and i love engadget (a lot). gooo mermaids!
-Taylor

[aonicc @ Dec 14th 2006 4:27AM]

I've actually taken a class from this guy (Mohseni), and he showed us a video of a model sub that uses the technology. If you're curious as to how it works, head over to thinkgeek and grab yourself an Airzooka (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/60b6/). It works off the exact same principle.

Just imagine miniatureized airzookas mounted along the sides of a sub, pushing out vortices to make small pulses of thrust, which is useful for docking.

[Jon @ Dec 14th 2006 8:23AM]

"Meter-mermaids" . . . you want some butter for that corn?

[BradStar @ Dec 14th 2006 10:05AM]

Anyone else see something phallicly wrong with this picture?

[Alcaron @ Dec 14th 2006 10:43AM]

"meter-mermaids don't exist."

*groan*

;p