Polymer-dominant drag reduction in turbulent channel flow over a superhydrophobic surface

Zhang, Linsheng ORCID: 0000-0003-1418-5379, Garcia-Gonzalez, Reyna I, Crick, Colin R ORCID: 0000-0001-9674-3973, Ng, Henry C-H ORCID: 0000-0003-4926-7622 and Poole, Robert J ORCID: 0000-0001-6686-4301 (2023) Polymer-dominant drag reduction in turbulent channel flow over a superhydrophobic surface Physics of Fluids, 35 (12). 121704-. ISSN 1070-6631, 1089-7666

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Abstract

In this study, we focused on the integration of a flexible polymer (polyacrylamide) and a (randomly patterned) superhydrophobic surface in a large-scale turbulent channel flow rig to investigate their combined drag reduction effectiveness. Experimental results indicate that, prior to degradation, polyacrylamide (at a 100-ppm concentration) and superhydrophobic surfaces individually manifest drag reductions of 35% and 7%, respectively. However, when combined, the influence of polymer additives remained consistent, with the introduction of superhydrophobic surfaces yielding negligible differences. A clear predominance was evidenced in our facility looking at realistic pressure for applications, with polymer additives overshadowing the impact of superhydrophobic surfaces.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	4012 Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering, 40 Engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Engineering
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	09 Jan 2024 10:48
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 14:12
DOI:	10.1063/5.0176377
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3177755
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