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A Bio-Inspired Drag Reduction Method of Bionic Fish Skin Mucus Structure
Pengfei Zhao1, Xin Li1, Zhengjie Luo1
1State Key Laboratory of Dynamic Measurement Technology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Sensing and Precision Measurement, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China.
Micromachines
|March 28, 2024
Summary
A novel biomimetic structure inspired by fish skin mucus reduces underwater vehicle drag by 20.56%. This flexible microgroove design enhances speed and lowers energy consumption for ships and submarines.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science for Marine Applications
Background:
- Underwater vehicle efficiency is limited by drag.
- Fish skin mucus provides natural drag reduction.
- Novel structures mimicking biological mechanisms are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a biomimetic mucus release structure for underwater drag reduction.
- To investigate the drag reduction performance of flexible microgrooves inspired by fish skin.
- To assess the reusability and adaptability of the structure under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Numerical analysis using ANSYS Fluent 19.2 for drag reduction simulation.
- Experimental testing of a mucus-releasing micro-pore structure under different mechanical states (bending, tension, compression).
- Biomimetic design inspired by fish skin mucus secretion.
Main Results:
- A drag reduction of 20.56% was achieved when the structure was bent at 120°.
- The structure effectively reduces the velocity gradient near the wall.
- Drag reduction varied with different attitudes, demonstrating adaptability.
Conclusions:
- The biomimetic mucus release structure offers significant drag reduction for underwater vehicles.
- The flexible microgroove design is a promising approach for enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency.
- The structure's reusability and adaptability support its practical application in marine engineering.
