Study on Riblet Drag Reduction Considering the Effect of Sweep Angle

Abstract

This study computationally evaluates the riblet drag reduction effect considering the effect of sweep angle. An implicit large eddy simulation is performed on a channel flow and an infinite swept wing. First, three different inclined angles between the riblets and the flow direction are tested in the channel flow. The results show that with increases in the inclined angle, the friction drag decreases, while the pressure drag increases approximately quadratically. The riblets with a 30° inclined angle increase the total drag of the channel flow. Then, an infinite wing with a 30° swept angle with and without riblets is studied. The riblets demonstrate satisfactory drag reduction efficiency because the cross flow over most parts of the wing is mild. The lift and friction drag follow the relation of the cosine law of a swept wing. Moreover, the cross flow and the turbulence fluctuation are suppressed by the riblets.

Keywords

• riblets
• sweep angle
• drag reduction
• large eddy simulation