Fluid Friction of the Slime of Aquatic Animals

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to determine the friction-reducing properties of fish slime. The slime was tested from species of both freshwater and marine fish and, for purposes of comparison, from the nut-brown cowry. Most of the species tested displayed a remarkable ability for reducing the friction of turbulent, flowing water. The diluted solution of the slime of one species was measured at nearly 66% lower than the friction of water. The properties of fish slime were found to be approximately the same for individual fish within the same species. Variations in slime properties within the same species are believed to be dependent on the age and size of the individual fish. It is hypothesized that slime properties are dependent on the life habits of the fish and that slime aids a fish's swimming ability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0715342

Entities

People

  • Moe William Rosen
  • Neri E. Cornford

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Layer
  • Cells
  • Fish
  • Habitats

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology