Nature's Engineers - Part 6: The Whale Fin Revolution
Key Takeaways The paradox: Humpback whales are enormous yet astonishingly agile—swimming in circles just 1.5 meters in diameter at 40 tons. The discovery: Their pectoral fins have bumpy leading edges called tubercles that increase lift by 8% and reduce drag by 32%. The revolution: Wind turbines with tubercle-inspired blades generate more power at moderate wind speeds—exactly when turbines are least efficient. The lesson: A century of aerodynamic theory insisted smooth edges were optimal. A whale proved otherwise. The Giant That Shouldn’t Dance The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the largest animals on Earth. Adults reach 15 meters (50 feet) in length and weigh up to 40 tons—the mass of a loaded semi-truck. ...