Shark skin inspired low-drag microstructured surfaces in closed channel flow
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Updated: May 15, 2026

Fabrication, Operation and Flow Visualization in Surface-acoustic-wave-driven Acoustic-counterflow Microfluidics
Published on: August 27, 2013
Gregory D Bixler1, Bharat Bhushan
1Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio & Nanotechnology and Biomimetics, The Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1142, USA.
Abstract:
Living nature is the inspiration for many innovations and continues to serve as an invaluable resource to solve technical challenges. Skin from fast swimming sharks intrigue researchers since its low-drag riblet structure is applicable to many engineering applications. In this study, riblet-lined closed channel (rectangular duct) internal flow was examined since its effect is less understood than with open channel external flow. With one experimental setup and two fluids, this study examines various dimensional aspects of microstructured riblets. Experimental parameters include riblet geometry, fluid velocity (laminar and turbulent flow), fluid viscosity, riblet combinations, channel size, wettability, and scalability. For direct comparison, the sample flow channel was fabricated to accommodate multiple samples with water and air in various flow conditions, where drag is characterized by measuring pressure drop. Results are discussed and conceptual models are shown suggesting the interaction between vortices and the riblet surfaces.
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