SHARKS 3D VIEW SKIN

Nevertheless, at present, it seems to be rather unlikely, that 3D-riblets can significantly outperform 2D-riblets. On the other hand, it appears conceivable, with a careful design of the fin shape (possibly supported by theory), that this inferiority in performance might be reduced. However, in direct comparison with 2D riblets, the performance of 3D-riblets is still inferior by about 1.7%. We found as much as 7.3% decreased turbulent shear stress, as compared to a smooth reference plate. As a result of our measurements, it can be concluded, that 3D-riblet surfaces do indeed produce an appreciable drag reduction. This enhanced variability permits measurements with a comparatively large parameter range. For these latter oil channel experiments, novel test plates with variable fin configuration have been manufactured, with 1,920–4,000 fins. In our new oil channel, the geometrical dimensions of the fins can be magnified 10 times in size as compared to the initial wind tunnel experiments, i.e., from typically 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Subsequently, in order to have a better judgement on the potential of these 3D-surfaces, oil channel experiments are carried out. These initial wind tunnel data, however, hinted at an appreciable drag reduction. Due to the complexity of the surface manufacturing process, a comprehensive parametric study was not possible. In a first attempt, wind tunnel experiments with about 365,000 tiny fin elements per test surface have been carried out. The turbulent wall shear stress on this surface is measured using direct force balances. Our idealized 3D-surface consists of sharp-edged fin-shaped elements arranged in an interlocking array. Hence, the drag reduction by three-dimensional riblet surfaces is investigated experimentally. Previously, the latter have been shown to reduce turbulent wall shear stress by up to 10%. Therefore, the question arises whether or not such three-dimensional riblet surfaces may produce an equivalent or even higher drag reduction than straight two-dimensional riblets.

SHARKS 3D VIEW SKIN

The skin of fast sharks exhibits a rather intriguing three-dimensional rib pattern.

Sharks 3d view