Simulation and testing of functional surfaces

BASF is working closely with bionic surface technologies to simulate riblets.
For 15 years, the company has been researching the optimal design of riblet surfaces and implements these findings for various applications. Not only are numerical simulations carried out, but they are also validated using own test benches. As a result, statements about the benefit of riblet surfaces for various applications can be precisely calculated in advance.

Since 2008, bionic surface technologies has been developing and perfecting an algorithm to calculate the complex fluid dynamic mechanisms within the microstructured riblet surfaces.

This makes it possible to make an economic assessment of the use of riblets in advance and reduces the testing phase to just a few test cycles. For this purpose, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations of a riblet layout are calculated in order to provide BASF with the exact information on structure sizes and material scope for an optimal increase in the efficiency of the application. In order to constantly improve the precision of the algorithm, different riblet structures are tested in different test benches. Depending on the Reynolds number and the type of application, different test benches are available. Thanks to the precision, even the influence of damage or aging influences can be evaluated fluid dynamically and incorporated into life cycle simulations. This also contributes to further material optimization by BASF's experts.