RECENT PROGRESS IN EXPLORING DRAG REDUCTION MECHANISM OF REAL SHARKSKIN SURFACE: A REVIEW

Abstract

It has gradually developed into an undisputable fact that sharkskin surface has the obvious drag reduction effect compared with the absolutely smooth skins, and it has been put into application widely, which has brought great advantages and profits in daily life, industry and agriculture. Because some problems in turbulence are not resolved completely and perfectly, the drag reduction mechanism of real sharkskin has also not been understood absolutely and thoroughly so far. However, many researchers have carried out lots of the relevant experiments and analyses, very plentiful and important conclusions are obtained, which can explain some certain phenomena of sharkskin drag reduction effect. An overview of exploring drag reduction mechanism of real sharkskin surface is systemically presented in detail. These mechanisms include inhibition of turbulence using micro/nano structured morphology, influence of scale's attack angles, nano-long chains and boundary layer slipping based on superhydrophobicity. This paper will improve the comprehension of the drag reduction mechanism and expand biomimetic sharkskin technology into more applications.