Flow around an autonomous underwater vehicle with bio-inspired coating

Scott Watkins, Jose Montoya-Segnini, Burak Aksak, Serdar Gorumlu, Amirkhosro Kazemi, Oscar Curet, Humberto Bocanegra Evans, Leonardo P. Chamorro, Gerardo Carbajal, Luciano Castillo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Flow separation is a major factor in the form drag experienced by a moving object. In particular, suppressing or reducing flow separation is critical in the reduction of energy expenditure of autonomous underwater vehicles. Previous research suggests that bio-inspired micro-fibrillar structures are capable of reducing the boundary layer separation in a turbulent flow. Here, we present laboratory measurements using particle tracking velocimetry near the wall of two submersible vessel models: one coated with an array of micro-fibers and a second one with smooth walls. The flow around the vessels was enticed by the ordered micro-fibers to retain higher velocities near the wall of the vessel. The experiments suggest that separation of the flow may be reduced by the use of the bio-inspired micro-fibers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication16th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Subtitle of host publicationInnovation, Education, and Inclusion
PublisherLatin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions
ISBN (Electronic)9780999344316
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event16th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology - Lima, Peru
Duration: Jul 18 2018Jul 20 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology
Volume2018-July
ISSN (Electronic)2414-6390

Other

Other16th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Country/TerritoryPeru
CityLima
Period7/18/187/20/18

Keywords

  • Bio-inspired
  • Drag reduction
  • Flow separation
  • PTV
  • UAV

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Education

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