Thoughtful Thursdays: Green Innovations in Racing

In recent years, motor sport competitions have been critical to the development and advancement of energy-efficient technology. Not only is racing an internationally loved sport, making it a global platform to help introduce important technology that can reduce greenhouse gases and exhaust pollutants, but it also provides innovators the testing ground to demonstrate the durability of these improvements under the most demanding conditions.

In fact, some of the most essential green technologies used in our average cars first debuted on the race track. From transmissions that give drivers better control of their power flow, to more durable tires and the use of alternative fuels.

In addition to the eco-friendlier technological innovations that have specifically come from racing, many of the bigger series, including the American Le Mans, have encouraged the use of regenerative energy powertrains (hybrids), better control of exhaust pollution, and the use of catalytic converters as effective emission-control systems. These efforts have helped to improve air quality and better the experience for racing fans!

A green ALMS race car. The series has developed multiple models of eco-friendlier cars, including one that is completely fuelled by natural gas!

ALMS, the series running the Grand Prix of Baltimore, is considered the greenest racing series in the world. As a global leader in green racing, it’s partnered with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to create the “Green X Challenge,” a scorecard to measure the environmental performance of race cars. Scores are based on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted, petroleum consumed, and the amount of energy required to complete each race (efficiency). The ALMS has championed this challenge as a “race within a race to an energy-secure and economically vibrant future.”

These monumental changes in the sport are not only critical to the continued transition of industries to adopt environmentally friendly practices, but they also ensure that racing will continue to develop as a world-class competition to be enjoyed by millions of fans for years to come!

 

 

 

Built for Speed: How Our Fastest Fish Friends Keep Their Pace

Whether it’s racing down Pratt Street or pulsing through the open ocean on the hunt for dinner, reaching maximum speed is all about physics. Above ground, vehicles have an initial thrust from the motor to propel them forward. To build speed, the exterior of cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, meaning they minimize drag and friction to not overexert the engine.

Although the Indy Cars expected at the Grand Prix of Baltimore this weekend can reach speeds of up to 230 mph, they are no match for jet engines! It’s hard to believe that all that weight and metal can soar through the air at speeds exceeding 2,000 mph. Getting a jet off the ground involves three major factors: (1) the engine provides thrust; (2) the wings provide lift to counter gravity; and (3) the aerodynamic shape cuts friction and drag.

These principles also apply to sharks and our other fast fish friends that live in the open ocean. The caudal (tail) fin provides initial thrust by swaying back and forth, pushing the water and propelling the animals forward. Like the wings of an airplane, the pectoral (side) fins give the animals the needed lift to keep them moving and counter gravity. And their smooth, streamlined bodies reduce as much friction and drag as possible!

One of our sand tiger sharks showing off its streamlined body

Sand tiger sharks are built for continuous swimming. They feed primarily on fish and need to be able to move quickly. Their big caudal fins help push them forward through the water all day without exhausting their energy. Their horizontal pectoral fins give the sharks the perfect shape to lift and stay above the ocean bottom. The pectoral fins are also critical to helping them get water over their gills so they can breathe. Unlike fish species, sharks don’t have swim bladders to keep them afloat, so it takes a lot more work to fight the drag of water molecules!

A sand tiger shark stays afloat thanks to its large pectoral (side) fins

Over time, humans have adapted to swim, and in the case of Olympian Michael Phelps, pretty quickly, but we are in no way built for it. We don’t have webbed feet, fins, or a streamlined body made for the water. Phelps, who holds the fastest swimming speed record, maxes out at just under 5 mph. Sharks, on the other hand, can hurdle toward prey at recorded swimming speeds of up to 46 mph!

Visit Seven Days for the Price of One!

Every day, amazing things happen at the National Aquarium. And now, for the first time ever, we are offering a seven-day ticket for the price of one!

Visit the National Aquarium, Baltimore, between August 27–September 3, and then return as many times as you like for seven consecutive days. No promo code is needed, and you can purchase tickets online at aqua.org and secure your preferred entry time, or at the onsite ticket center.

With more than 16,000 animals swimming, flying, hopping, and crawling in our award-winning exhibits, and amazing things happening throughout our three buildings every minute of the day, you’ll want more than one day to explore it all!

Save 10% off Tickets to the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT
Hear that sound in the distance? No, that’s not the bellowing of a breeding bullfrog at the National Aquarium. That’s the Grand Prix racing into Baltimore! Now when you purchase a National Aquarium ticket online, you will receive a promo code good for 10% off tickets to the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. Plus, get accelerated entry to the Aquarium when you present your valid Grand Prix entry (ticket, pass, or wristband) along with your Aquarium ticket. Entry is subject to timed and maximum building capacity restrictions.