Advancing the flow physics behind the drag of riblets
Abstract
Riblets are surface grooves designed to reduce the skin-friction drag of aircraft. Although riblets have been shown to save on fuel in flight tests, they are not currently in widespread use because their micron-sized features present challenges to manufacturing, installation and maintenance. As imperfect and worn riblets are inevitable, a pacing item for the success of riblets technology is a reliable framework for predicting the performance of off-design riblets in flight conditions. Addressing this challenge, here we propose to study key uncertainties underpinning current predictions, focusing on riblet tip rounding, riblets with multiple scales and flow modification by riblets. Our overall research objective is to advance the flow-physical understanding behind the drag of riblets. The proposed effort brings together researchers from the University of Melbourne (Australia), the University of Cambridge (UK) and the University of Southern California (USA), and exploits recent advances in approaches that are ideally suited for understanding riblets, including minimal-domain high-fidelity numerical simulations, detailed wind-tunnel measurement techniques and shape-resolving models derived from the equations of motion. The anticipated outcome is a physically sound and extended predictive capability that can inform riblets manufacturing and maintenance, ultimately leading to cost and emissions reductions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2022
- Source ID
- FA23862114018
Entities
People
- Daniel Chung
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Melbourne