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Separation control over a grooved surface inspired by dolphin skin
Amy W Lang1, Emily M Jones, Farhana Afroz
1Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Alabama, 255 H M Comer, 245 7th Avenue, Box 870280, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|January 7, 2017
Summary
Transverse grooves, inspired by dolphin skin, were tested for drag reduction. These grooves effectively controlled flow separation in turbulent boundary layers, offering potential for hydrodynamic drag reduction.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Hydrodynamics
- Bio-inspired engineering
Background:
- Aquatic swimmer surfaces are studied for drag reduction.
- Riblets (parallel grooves) are known for hydrodynamic benefits.
- Dolphin skin features transverse grooves, unlike parallel riblets.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the hydrodynamic effects of transverse grooves, mimicking dolphin skin.
- Test the hypothesis that transverse grooves reduce flow separation and pressure drag.
- Analyze the impact of groove shape (rectangular, sinusoidal) on boundary layer flow.
Main Methods:
- Induced an adverse pressure gradient on a flat plate to create flow separation.
- 3D printed and mounted transverse grooves (rectangular and sinusoidal).
- Used digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) to measure boundary layer flow.
- Varied the adverse pressure gradient strength.
Main Results:
- Transverse grooves demonstrated control over flow separation.
- Observed effects on the turbulent boundary layer were analyzed.
- Comparison made between grooved surfaces and a smooth flat plate.
Conclusions:
- Transverse grooves show potential for managing flow separation.
- The findings support the hypothesis of turbulence augmentation and drag reduction.
- Bio-inspired transverse grooves offer a novel approach to hydrodynamic drag reduction.
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