Riblet Sheet Application on Airfoil Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft surfaces, such as airfoils, are prone to environmental erosion, which degrades their performance and durability, and existing methods do not effectively enhance aerodynamic properties while providing erosion protection.
Innovation Solution
A riblet sheet comprising a riblet film layer and a riblet liner layer is applied to airfoil surfaces, with the riblet liner layer peeled back to expose the film layer, and attaching hardware or a non-textured surface film is applied over the film layer, ensuring the riblet formations are preserved and securely attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riblet formations are applied to aircraft surfaces for aerodynamic enhancement, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the surfaces become more vulnerable to environmental erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite coating system consisting of a riblet film layer containing aerodynamic riblet formations and a separate liner layer. This composite structure combines the aerodynamic benefits of riblet formations with the protective properties of the liner material, simultaneously improving aerodynamic performance while resisting environmental erosion factors such as water, ice, and contaminants.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If riblet formations are applied to aircraft surfaces for erosion protection, then durability is enhanced, but aerodynamic properties are not effectively improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a differentiated coating structure where the riblet film layer provides localized aerodynamic enhancement in specific regions, while the liner layer provides generalized erosion protection across the entire surface. This allows the surface to exhibit different functional properties in different locations, simultaneously achieving both aerodynamic improvement and durability enhancement.
3Strength
If attaching hardware is applied over riblet film layer, then secure attachment is achieved, but riblet formations may be damaged or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first applying the riblet film layer and allowing it to cure or set before applying the attaching hardware. This sequential application ensures that the riblet formations are already in place and stabilized, so the subsequent attachment process does not distort or damage the delicate riblet structures. The liner layer is then applied to protect the formed riblets during final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method and resulting apparatus of applying a riblet sheet comprising a riblet film layer and a riblet liner layer on an airfoil surface. The method comprises applying the riblet film layer of the riblet sheet over the airfoil surface, peeling back at least a portion of the riblet liner layer from the riblet film layer to expose a portion of the riblet film layer, applying a attaching hardware or a non-textured surface film over at least a portion the riblet film layer portion; and applying the peeled back portion of the riblet liner layer over a portion of the attaching hardware.