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Updated: May 27, 2026

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity
Published on: March 11, 2015
The influence of biofilms on skin friction drag
1a Division of Engineering R&D , Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution , 5600 US 1 North , Fort Pierce , FL , 34946 , USA.
Abstract:
The contribution of biofilms to skin friction drag is not clearly defined, and as regulations continue to restrict the use of biocides in antifouling paints, they are likely to form a greater presence on ship hulls. This paper reviews the flow regime around a ship's hull, the basics of boundary layer structure, and the effects of rigid surface roughness on drag. A review of experimental studies of biofilms in turbulent shear flows at laboratory and ship-scale is made. The consensus of these studies shows that biofilms increase skin friction drag. Some measurements carried out in turbulent boundary layer flow using a two-component, laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) are also presented. These results indicate an increase in skin friction for biofilms that is dependent on composition as well as thickness.
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