Dinesh Bhatia - School of Aerospace Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, ۱۹۹ Taikang East Road, Ningbo ۳۱۵۱۰۰, China‎
Guangning Li - School of Astronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University,۱۲۷ Youyi West Road, Xi’an ۷۱۰۰۷۲, China
Jing Sun - School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University,۱۲۷ Youyi West Road, Xi’an ۷۱۰۰۷۲, China‎
Jian Wang - Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University London, Friars Avenue, London SW۱۵ ۳DW, United Kingdom‎

This paper explores the use of shark-skin inspired two-dimensional forward facing steps to attain laminar flow control, delay boundary layer transition and to reduce drag. Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are carried out on strategically placed forward facing steps within the laminar boundary layer using the Transition SST model in FLUENT after comprehensive benchmarking and validation of the simulation setup. Results presented in this paper indicate that the boundary layer thickness to step height ratio (d/h), as well as the location of the step within the laminar boundary layer (x/L), greatly influence transition onset. The presence of a strategically placed forward facing step within the laminar boundary layer might damp disturbances within the laminar boundary layer, reduce wall shear stress and energize the boundary layer leading to transition onset delay and drag reduction as compared to a conventional flat plate. Results presented in this paper indicate that a transition delay of ۲۰% and a drag reduction of ۶% is achievable, thereby demonstrating the veracity of biomimicry as a potential avenue to attain improved aerodynamic performance.

Laminar Flow Control, Drag Reduction, Forward Facing Steps, CFD, Shark Skin, Biomimetics