NASA has developed a new type of paint, called 'Pressure-Sensitive Paint,' that will help to increase the aerodynamics of all sorts of aircraft, from jets to helicopters. But what might be more notable than the technical capabilities of the Pressure-Sensitive Paint is its appearance: when exposed to blue light, the paint glows fluorescent pink.
The Pressure-Sensitive Paint itself doesn't actually improve the aerodynamics of aircraft designs. Rather, the paint's capabilities allow NASA researchers to better assess the impact of various designs that they are in the process of testing. According to NASA, the paint is currently contributing to aircraft innovations that could "cut fuel use in half, pollution by some 75 percent and noise to nearly one-eight of what it is today."
What's Driving This Trend
- Aerodynamic Aircraft Designs
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new aircraft designs that are specifically optimized for increased aerodynamics using Pressure-Sensitive Paint technology.
- Advanced Pressure-sensitive Coatings
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative applications for pressure-sensitive paints beyond aircraft design, such as in automotive, wind energy, and sports equipment industries.
- Sustainable Aviation Solutions
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize Pressure-Sensitive Paint technology to support the development of more sustainable aviation solutions, reducing fuel consumption, pollution, and noise in aircraft.
Who This Affects Most
- Aerospace
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply Pressure-Sensitive Paint technology in the aerospace industry to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency in aircraft.
- Automotive
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement Pressure-Sensitive Paint technology in the automotive industry to improve vehicle aerodynamics, resulting in increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Wind Energy
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Adapt Pressure-Sensitive Paint technology for wind turbine blade coatings, optimizing their design for improved energy generation and reduced noise.
