Question

By what mechanism do the hundred-micron-sized scales on the shark skin reduce drag?

By what mechanism do the hundred-micron-sized scales on the shark skin reduce drag?

Homework Answers

Answer #1

The scales on fast-swimming sharks have evolved two mechanisms for controlling the boundary layer flow over the skin surface leading to a reduction in drag.

The first consists of the small streamwise keels covering the surface of the scales which reduce turbulent skin friction drag.

The second mechanism is attributed to loosely embedded scales that are located on key regions of the body. When actuated to bristle by the flow, these scales potentially act as a means of controlling flow separation, thereby minimizing pressure drag during swimming maneuvers.

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