Precise cutting microstructured superhydrophobic surface

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surface has potential drag reduction effect on both laminar and turbulent flowing stations, and it has increasingly come into the picture throughout the world. Superhydrophobicity is not only determined by the chemical properties on the interfaces, but also the hierarchical nano/microstructure on the contact surface. In this paper, the precise cutting method in turning machine is explored and exploited to fabricate the microgrooved surfaces. The wetting experiments illustrate that as the size of microgrooves becomes smaller, the water repellent property is improved progressively. In addition, the hydrodynamic experiments in a water tunnel show that friction force is decreased >8% with a smooth skin as baseline. The results in this research would expand the applications of bioinspired surfaces in fluid engineering.

Keywords:

• Precise cutting
• Wetability, Bioinspired surface
• Microgrooves
• Drag reduction