On the potential of using nature-based technologies to improve the efficiency of blade hydro-machines

Abstract

The paper provides a review of publications devoted to the study of the hydrodynamic effect of «shark skin» and its possible applications in technical systems, in particular in vane pumps. The hydrodynamic effect of «sharkskin» occurs due to roughness (riblets) oriented along the flow and allows to reduce the amount of hydraulic resistance in the near-wall region. An analysis of studies on the morphology and replication of shark skin, as well as some options for applying this effect in technical systems, is carried out. Examples of a number of the most interesting, according to the authors, works that are in the public domain are given. Some features of the presented studies are noted. A conclusion is made about the current state of biomimetic technologies in hydraulic engineering and about the development trends in this area.

Keywords

• hydraulic engineering
• bladed hydraulic machines
• biomimetics
• hydrodynamics
• shark skin effect
• nature-like technologies