Preliminary Assessment of Asymmetric Triangular Riblet Microstructures for Drag Deduction and Fouling Resistance: Numerical Modeling, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluation

Several species of plants and animals demonstrate an ability to resist the accumulation of contaminants natural to their environments. To explain this phenomenon, mechanisms that facilitate fouling resistance have to be deciphered. Along these lines, this study is focused on the correlation between drag reduction and fouling resistance for underwater surfaces. This was accomplished by means of a novel microtopography inspired by fish-scales and conceived as a series of asymmetric triangular microgrooves oriented in the spanwise direction. A parametric study involving Large Eddy simulations was carried out to determine the most effective dimensions of the riblets and the results obtained have indicated a 9.1% drag reduction with respect to a flat reference surface. Following this, functional samples were fabricated in acrylic by means of a multi-axis micromachining center and diamond tooling. Surface quality and form accuracy of the fabricated samples were assessed with an optical microscope and optical profilometer. Finally, the fouling resistance of the samples was assessed by subjecting them to a flow of contaminated water. The results demonstrate that a relationship exists between the relative size of the particle and the fouling resistance of the microstructured surface.