Drag Reduction Using Biomimetic Sharkskin Denticles

D Bhatia,D Yadav,J Wang,Y Zhao

doi:10.48084/etasr.4347

Abstract

This paper explores the use of sharkskin in improving the aerodynamic performance of aerofoils. A biomimetic analysis of the sharkskin denticles was conducted and the denticles were incorporated on the surface of a 2-Dimensional (2D) NACA0012 aerofoil. The aerodynamic performance including the drag reduction rate, lift enhancement rate, and Lift to Drag (L/D) enhancement rate for sharkskin denticles were calculated at different locations along the chord line of the aerofoil and at different Angles of Attack (AOAs) through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Two different denticle orientations were tested. Conditional results indicate that the denticle reduces drag by 4.3% and attains an L/D enhancement ratio of 3.6%.

Highlights

With the rapid growth of aviation in developing countries and the continuing growth of the existing aviation markets in developed countries, more people can enjoy air travels
The location of the denticles on chord line that has shown the highest amount of drag reduction and the highest amount of Lift to Drag (L/D) enhancement is considered to be the optimal location of sharskin denticles
During the simulations, the maximum drag reduction and L/D enhancement, for normal direction and 0.16c sharskin position, are 3% and 1.5% achieved at 0o AOA and 4o AOA respectively

Summary

Introduction

With the rapid growth of aviation in developing countries and the continuing growth of the existing aviation markets in developed countries, more people can enjoy air travels. The growing need for passengers has caused further environmental concerns since aircraft emissions can alter the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases that are related to climate change [1]. Economic concerns have been raised by airline companies. The supply of fossil fuels is limited and is depleting [2], much higher fuel prices and volatility occur [3]. The increase in jet fuel prices would increase air traffic and airport operation costs. The aviation industry is focusing on environmental-friendly and green solutions to offset increasing fuel costs and higher carbon emissions. Drag reduction and improvement in aerodynamic efficiency is one way of reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption [4]

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Conclusion