Technical Papers
Growing Riblets with Light: Rapid Prototyping of Riblet Designs, Drag Reduction Analysis, and Product Lifetime Performance
Henry C. Bilinsky, Duncan C. Bell, Durairaj Shyam, Gene Wang, Emma Brisson, Mitchell S. Quinn, Dylan McGrath
Abstract:
The production of sharkskin-inspired riblets with variable geometry unlocks new possibilities with respect to drag reduction performance and conformance to curved surfaces and local flow. Examples of these novel riblet designs fabricated with MicroTau’s Direct Contactless Microfabrication process are provided. A riblet drag reduction performance model capable of approximating the net efficiency gains enabled by application of riblets to aircraft is described. An overview of relevant data outputs including reductions in fuel consumption and emissions is included, and a description of the verification process of the model is presented. Lastly, a selection of representative material test results that contribute to recent developments in riblet product lifetime durability are shown.
By clicking ‘Download’ you agree to receive marketing communications from MicroTau.
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. View Privacy Policy
Materials and Performance Testing of DCM Drag-Reducing Riblets for Aviation
Henry C. Bilinsky, Mitchell S. Quinn, Dylan McGrath, John Whitelock, Swapnil Poudyal, Duncan C. Bell, Christoph Feichtinger, Peter Leitl, Richard Benauer
Abstract:
Direct Contactless Microfabrication (DCM) is a technology allowing for the manufacture of drag-reducing riblet microstructures for application in the aviation and maritime industries. A new generation of DCM printer with the aim of rapidly prototyping novel riblet designs and producing ‘3D’ riblets for greater drag reduction capability is described. Drag reduction results from testing in a Taylor-Couette test bench and pipe apparatus are described, with MicroTau’s ‘blade’ type riblets outperforming reference trapeze riblets at the optimal design point by 0.3% and 0.9% in respective tests. A new regime for materials testing for riblets in aviation and new results in antifouling riblet materials for maritime applications are also described.
By clicking ‘Download’ you agree to receive marketing communications from MicroTau.
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. View Privacy Policy
Advancements in Drag-Reducing Riblet Film Production for Aviation and Other Applications
Mitchell S. Quinn, Dylan McGrath, Duncan C. Bell, Henry C. Bilinsky, Joseph Builth-Williams, Christoph Feichtinger, Peter Leitl, Andreas Flanschger, Shahfiq Shahjahan
Abstract:
Direct Contactless Microfabrication (DCM) is a technology allowing for the manufacture of drag-reducing riblet microstructures onto a range of substrates. Ongoing work on drag reduction testing in a Taylor-Couette facility is described. Advancements in DCM technology, including improvements to riblet geometry resulting in MicroTau’s highest quality riblets yet, are discussed. Experimentation with riblets on rotor blades has been undertaken with the aim of developing a predictive model for efficacy and to measure the effects of angle of attack and adverse pressure gradients. Results of a flight test of 78 μm riblet film on the wings of a Zivko Edge 540 aerobatics and race plane are described. Lastly, new results in riblets with antifouling properties for maritime applications are presented.
By clicking ‘Download’ you agree to receive marketing communications from MicroTau.
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. View Privacy Policy
Previous Papers
Bilinsky 2021 “Riblets for Aircraft Application: Material Qualification and Scale up”, AIAA SciTech 2021 Forum (AIAA 2021-0037) https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0037
Bilinsky, Builth-Williams & Quinn 2020 “Curing Functional Properties into UV Coatings: Direct Contactless Microfabrication of Drag Reducing, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fouling and Optical Microstructures”, RadTech NA Conference 2020
Dvorchak, Clouser & Harbourne 2020 UV+EB Technology - 2020 Quarter 2 Aerospace UV Cured Coatings: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Bilinsky 2020 “Direct Contactless Microfabrication of 2D and 3D Riblet Geometries for Drag Reduction” AIAA SciTech 2020 Forum (AIAA 2020-0310) https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-0310
Bilinsky 2019 "Direct Contactless Microfabrication of 3D Riblets: Improved Capability, Metrology and Durability", AIAA SciTech 2019 Forum, (AIAA 2019-1626) https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-1626
Bilinsky, Wilson & Dvorchak RADTECH 2018 DCM of Drag Reducing Riblets Utilizing UV Curable Allophanate Structures
Bilinsky & Wilson 2018 "Maturation of Direct Contactless Microfabrication for Application of Drag Reducing Riblets", AIAA 2018 SciTech Forum, (AIAA 2018-0321) https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0321
Bilinsky 2017 “Microfabrication of Riblets for Drag Reduction: A Novel UV Approach Utilizing Photolithographic Methods”, Issue 2, 2017 UV+EB Technology
Bilinsky 2017 "Riblet Microfabrication Method for Drag Reduction", AIAA 2017 SciTech Forum, (AIAA 2017-0047) https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2017-0047