Aerodynamics of riblet steering
Abstract
The aim of this project is to investigate how directional surface textures comprising tiny ribs called riblets steer the air flow next to surfaces. The ultimate goal is to achieve a higher skin-friction drag reduction for aircraft applications than is currently possible via the new drag-reduction pathway of Marusic et al. (2021, Nature Communications). This new pathway involves side-to-side skin movements in such a way that favorably disturbs the bulk of the air flow next to a surface. By targeting the bulk of the air flow, the drag reduction promises to be more efficient and more effec- tive than current strategies, however the bottleneck is the lack of a practical actuation technology for such a moving skin. Therefore, in this project, we propose to investigate the possibility of disturbing the bulk of the air flow in the same manner as that of the new pathway, but without the complexity of mechanical moving parts, and without energy input. The idea is to steer the near- surface air flow using specially designed patterned arrangements of yawed riblets that act as guide vanes. This three-year project will integrate high-fidelity numerical simulations that resolve the air flow details near yawed riblets and wind-tunnel experiments with arrangements of riblets that target the new drag-reduction pathway and with flow conditions that approach that of an aircraft wing. The outcome of this project is the advancement of knowledge toward a realizable, robust and highly effective drag-reduction strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2024
- Source ID
- FA23862314071
Entities
People
- Daniel Chung
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Melbourne