A Fundamental Principle of Aeronautical Engineering Has Been Overturned
A long-standing principle in aeronautical engineering regarding surface smoothness and aerodynamic drag has been challenged. Recent research from Tohoku University shows that applying distributed micro-roughness can significantly reduce drag. This discovery could lead to advancements in high-speed transportation technologies.
- ▪Aerodynamic drag is a major barrier in high-speed vehicles.
- ▪For over 80 years, smooth surfaces were believed to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- ▪Tohoku University researchers demonstrated a 43.6% drag reduction using distributed micro-roughness.
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Ritsuko KawaiScienceMay 24, 2026 4:30 AMA Fundamental Principle of Aeronautical Engineering Has Been OverturnedIt's long been accepted that the smoother the surface, the lower the aerodynamic drag. That turns out not always to be the case.Illustration: ktsimage/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyAerodynamic drag is a major “barrier” in high-speed airplanes, automobiles, and bullet trains. This is because a design with less aerodynamic drag allows the aircraft to move at higher speeds with less energy.When an aircraft or car body moves at high speed, a thin layer of air called the “boundary layer” is formed on its surface.
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