Combined Theory and Experimental Verification of Plastron Stability on Superhydrophobic Surface

This paper (i) develops a theoretical model to predict the fate of plastron, or the air pockets on superhydrophobic (SHPo) surface under water, in high-speed flows and (ii) assess the developed model experimentally by testing a range of well-defined microtrench SHPo surfaces attached underneath a motorboat on seawater. The comprehensive model, which addresses all the important factors that affect the plastron and its drag-reducing ability in flowing water, has long been desired but missing to design SHPo surfaces for underwater applications over a range of flow conditions including a real marine environment.