The Matched Shear Impedance Hypothesis fro Compliant Layer Delay

Dolphin-Damp (a PVC gel) and Blubber-rubber (a polysiloxane rubber) are candidate "synthetic blubber" that can probably be formulated to closely match the dynamic mechanical complex shear compliance of live dolphine blubber. A program is proposed to remeasure dolphin blubber, using the modern Automated Dynamic Mechnical Modulometer, and blubber smaples of opportunity obtianed from the Whale Stranding Network. The Matched Shear Impedance Hypothesis advances the conjecture that dolphin blubber represents a "matched-load" to the turbulent boundary layer "shear-generator", thus delaying the onset of turbulence over the dolphin up to speeds of ~10 knots, or the equivalent Reynolds number of Re~ 2 x 10-7. If wuitable "synthetic blubbers" can be developed they could be expected to significantly reduce the hydrodynaimic drag of an AUV and, thereby, increase its effective range. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Reduction of Towed Array Flow Noise; Reduction of Hydrodynamic Drag of AUV's; Increased Range of AUV's; Reduction of AUV Self-Noise