Drag-reduction test of riblets using ARE’s high speed buoyancy propelled vehicle — MOBY-D

Abstract Drag-reduction performance of riblets on an axi-symmetric body was investigated using ARE’s High Speed Buoyancy Propelled Vehicle (MOBY-D) at high Reynolds number. Approximately 35% of the wetted body surface was applied with riblets in situ using BMT’s RIBCOAT TM process, and net drag reductions between 0 and 3.0% were observed during the flight. The drag reduction increased toward the ascent as the vehicle acceleration decreased, indicating that the favourable effects that riblets have on the boundary layer structure may be susceptible to acceleration.