Effect of Reynolds Number on Turbulent Drag Reduction by Superhydrophobic Surface Textures

Abstract

In turbulent flows over streamwise-aligned superhydrophobic surface (SHS) textures, the percent drag reduction is dependent on Reynolds number. This dependence is examined using direct numerical simulations of channel flow over SHS texture at three bulk Reynolds numbers, R e b = 2800, 6785 and 10975. Simulations of regular no-slip channel flows at the same bulk velocities are also performed for comparison. Changes in the flow due to the SHS texture are examined with particular focus on phase averaged statistics and coherent turbulent motions. As the Reynolds number is increased, the texture performance, or the percent drag reduction, is enhanced. In terms of turbulent motions, the weakened s..