Darth Rotor
7th December 2006, 03:01 PM
The smart folks at BAE seem to have uncovered a practical application that amounts to micro-Velcro. They have apparently done this by modeling the pads of a gekko's feet. A gekko climbs vertical surfaces without suction cups. The small hairs on its feet use Van der Wall's forces, that due to the density of the hairs/micro-fibers on its feet creates a powerful adhesive that can hold roughly 3, 000 kg per square meter. To move, it peels, rather than lifts, it foot pads from step to step. To do likewise with an expanded version of this material (on gloves and specially designed shoes, for example) one peels from the corner/edge since a pull will be resisted.
For those of you working in tall office buildings, Gekko Man (http://www.londonpress.info/lps/article.asp?uniqueID=6022&category=science)may be you new window cleaner.
I can seen this having applications for Special Operations forces, Ninja wannabes, and of course for international jewelry and art thieves.
*Pink Panther theme music begins*
I also predict that Mission Impossible 4, the movie, will refer to this tech as a means for Tom Cruise's character to climb the walls as he chases bad guys.
DR
For those of you working in tall office buildings, Gekko Man (http://www.londonpress.info/lps/article.asp?uniqueID=6022&category=science)may be you new window cleaner.
I can seen this having applications for Special Operations forces, Ninja wannabes, and of course for international jewelry and art thieves.
*Pink Panther theme music begins*
I also predict that Mission Impossible 4, the movie, will refer to this tech as a means for Tom Cruise's character to climb the walls as he chases bad guys.
DR