A study of fluid flow characteristics using microstructured surfaces produced by WEDM

This work presents an approach where biomimetic structures are tested for stabilisation and reduction of the boundary layer to reduce flashback propensity. Micro structures have been designed to have the shape of micro-riblets similar to those found in shark skin and other vegetable organisms. Various texture geometries were produced by micro Wire Electro Discharge Machining. These geometries were tested in a bespoke flame channel under isothermal conditions to observe the flow boundary profile with the aim of using combustion as a next step to determine the resistance to flashback propagation. CFD analyses were also performed using in-house simulation software Hydro3D utilising LES modelling. Experimental and simulation results were compared and showed an improvement of the boundary layer using the micro-riblets based on their structural patterns