Investigation of Drag performance with Rectangular Riblet-Based Functional Surfaces
Abstract
This thesis presents the results of the investigation of the performance of rectangular riblets in drag-reducing environments. It will focus on numerical simulation and experimental methodologies. The study will examine the design, fabrication and behavior of said blade riblets using both linear experimental devices and rotational experimental devices in hydro- and aero-dynamic environments. The CFD simulations will aid the validation and understanding of turbulent flow and the fluid-surface interaction with the rectangular riblets as well as the comparison to the liner experimental device that will be aided by a wind tunnel. The rotational experimental analysis will follow a similar parametric study as it will still use rectangular riblet geometry, but it will make use of Taylor-Couette flow system. The work provides a thorough understanding of flow principles and analysis of the performance of rectangular riblets, with cases in the rotational experimental apparatus of reducing drag up to 5%. The groundwork for these experiments allows future studies to evaluate and expand with the use of drag-reducing functional surfaces with focus on rectangular riblets.