Drag reduction using bionic groove surface for underwater vehicles

• Published in: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
• Main Authors: Shihao Zheng, Xi Liang, Jiayong Li, Yanyan Liu, Jun Tang
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023
• Subjects: killer whale; groove surface; numerical simulation; drag reduction; biological modelling; Biotechnology; TP248.13-248.65; Killer Whale; Killer whale
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1223691; https://doaj.org/article/3d6e4e058aca4eeb92bd27fec0c83c1f

Introduction: The reduction of drag is a crucial concern within the shipping industry as it directly influences energy consumption. This study addresses this issue by proposing a novel approach inspired by the unique ridge structure found on killer whale skin. The objective is to develop a non-smooth surface drag reduction method that can effectively decrease drag and improve energy efficiency for ships.Methods: The study introduces a technique involving the creation of transverse bionic groove surfaces modeled after the killer whale skin’s ridge structure. These grooves are aligned perpendicular to the flow direction and are intended to modify the behavior of turbulent boundary layer flows that form around the ship’s hull. Numerical simulations are employed using the Shear Stress Transport k-ω model to analyze the effects of the proposed groove surface across a wide range of flow conditions. The research investigates the impact of various parameters, such as the width-to-depth ratio (λ/A), groove depth, and inlet velocity, on the drag reduction performance of the bionic groove surface.Results: The study reveals several key findings. Optimal shape parameters for the bionic groove surface are determined, enabling the most effective drag reduction. The numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed groove surface yields notable drag reduction benefits within the velocity range of 2∼12 m/s. Specifically, the friction drag reduction ratio is measured at 26.91%, and the total drag reduction ratio at 9.63%. These reductions signify a substantial decrease in the forces opposing the ship’s movement through water, leading to enhanced energy efficiency.Discussion: Comparative analysis is conducted between the performance of the bionic groove surface and that of a smooth surface. This investigation involves the examination of velocity gradient, streamwise mean velocity, and turbulent intensity. The results indicate that the bionic groove structure effectively mitigates viscous stress and Reynolds stress, which in turn ...