Large Drag Reduction over Superhydrophobic Riblets

Abstract

Riblets and superhydrophobic surfaces are two demonstrated passive drag reduction techniques. We describe a method to fabricate surfaces that combine both of these techniques in order to increase drag reduction properties. Samples have been tested with a cone-and-plate rheometer system, and have demonstrated significant drag reduction even in the transitional-turbulent regime. Direct Numerical Simulations have been performed in order to estimate the equivalent slip length at higher rotational speed. The sample with 100~$\mu$m deep grooves has been performing very well, showing drag reduction varying from 15 to 20 $\%$ over the whole range of flow conditions tested, and its slip length was estimated to be over 100 $\mu$m.