The Biomimetic Shark Skin Optimization Design Method for Improving Lubrication Effect of Engineering Surface

Area of Science:

• Biomimetics
• Surface Engineering
• Tribology

Background:

• Nature inspires advanced engineering solutions.
• Shark skin's unique morphology reduces drag and friction.
• Biomimetic surfaces offer potential for enhanced performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic surface mimicking shark skin.
• To establish a model predicting tribological performance.
• To provide design guidelines for efficient lubrication.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biomimetic surface with shark denticle and rib morphology.
• Development of a lubrication theory model.
• Experimental validation of the predictive model.
• Investigation of geometric parameters' effect on friction.

Main Results:

• The biomimetic surface reduces water resistance and friction contact area.
• Increased depression width ratio decreases the coefficient of friction.
• Optimal low friction is achieved when the depression width ratio exceeds 0.45.
• Depth ratio and angle influence friction, with decreased angle reducing friction as dimension depth increases.

Conclusions:

• The developed lubrication model accurately predicts tribological performance.
• Geometric parameters significantly impact the frictional characteristics of biomimetic surfaces.
• This research offers a framework for designing surfaces with superior lubrication properties.