Flat Plate Reduction in a Water Tunnel Using Riblets

Abstract

Streamwise microgroove surface modifications, known as riblets, are known to alter the structure of the turbulent boundary layer such that the skin friction drag over the surface is reduced. For this investigation, velocity profile measurements were used to calculate the drag on a flat plate, both with and without riblets, in a high-speed water tunnel. The vinyl riblet surface produced a maximum drag reduction of 8.1% + or - 2.5% at a nondimensional groove spacing, + or - of 13.1. If the results obtained in the laboratory can be realized for torpedoes and other submersibles, significant improvements in vehicle speed or fuel economy will be achieved.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA182242

Entities

People

  • L. W. Reidy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Layer
  • Classification
  • Control Surfaces
  • Drag
  • Drag Reduction
  • Films
  • Free Stream
  • Layers
  • Leading Edges
  • Measurement
  • Security
  • Skin Friction
  • Test Facilities
  • Trailing Edges
  • Tunnels
  • Turbulent Boundary Layer
  • Water Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster