Attached Decelerating Turbulent Boundary Layers over Riblets

Abstract

Turbulent boundary layers over riblets subjected to adverse pressure gradients (APGs) are investigated by direct numerical simulation. Multiple APG strengths and riblet sizes are examined, permitting evaluation of drag modification by riblets, and associated physical mechanisms, in various regimes established for zero-pressure-gradient (ZPG) riblet flows. The APG strengths are selected such that the flow remains attached. It is found that during APGs, riblets reduce drag beyond what has been achieved in ZPG flows. In extreme cases, an upstream force (i.e., negative drag) is attained. The significant drag reduction is found to be a product of Kelvin-Helmholtz roller vortices forming near the riblet crest, which are augmented in size, strength, and frequency during the APG. The preliminary results reported here indicate the need to modify existing metrics to predict drag reduction and the onset of KH rollers by riblets when the pressure gradient is non-negligible. Further analysis will be documented in the final paper.