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Transition delay using biomimetic fish scale arrays
Muthukumar Muthuramalingam1, Dominik K Puckert2, Ulrich Rist2
1School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB, UK. muthukumar.muthuramalingam@city.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|September 5, 2020
Summary
Fish scales effectively delay the transition from laminar to turbulent flow by 55%, significantly reducing drag. This biomimetic approach offers potential for advanced laminar flow control on surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Biomimetics
- Hydrodynamics
Background:
- Aquatic animals, particularly fish, have evolved efficient methods for drag reduction.
- Understanding the role of fish scales in fluid dynamics is crucial for bio-inspired engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of biomimetic fish scales on the laminar-to-turbulent transition in a boundary layer.
- To quantify the drag reduction potential of fish scale-inspired surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a low-turbulence laminar water channel with a flat plate.
- Arranging biomimetic fish scales in overlapping patterns.
- Triggering transition to turbulence using controlled excitation of Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves.
Main Results:
- Fish scales attenuated the TS wave, generating streamwise streaks.
- The transition location was delayed by 55% compared to a smooth plate.
- A theoretical drag reduction of approximately 27% was calculated.
Conclusions:
- Fish scales can stabilize the laminar boundary layer, preventing premature transition to turbulence.
- This biomimetic strategy holds promise for developing effective laminar flow control surfaces.
- The findings suggest a novel approach for reducing friction drag in various applications.
