Blog 3 - Reflecting
Blog 3 - Reflecting
Embedded Files
Content
Content
Ultimately, the research I conducted was very promising in demonstrating the drag reducing capabilities of a streamwise streaking skin structure inspired by the European Sea Bass. While the bass mold didn't become more effective compared to the mako's riblet structure as turbulence increased like I had predicted, it was better at reducing drag at each data point tested. Overall, I learned so much to get to this point. Mainly, I learned a lot about fluid mechanics: how drag occurs at the microscopic scale and how it can be reduced. I found it especially interesting how various species adapted differently to solve this problem. Specifically, I got the chance to delve into two really unique case studies, their hunting habits, environments, and opposite surface makeups. After conducting this research, there's so many future directions in the content area:
Looking at new case studies from a similar environment with a completely different scale pattern to assess drag reduction
Replicating this experiment with proper lab equipment to provide a more concrete result
Experimenting with different modifications of the European Sea Bass to replicate its drag reduction process with a more simplified design
As of now, replicating the streamwise streaking drag reduction process is extremely complicated and costly
Product
Product
Through writing my final paper, doing an oral defense, and presenting my findings at the research symposium, I learned a lot about conducting research that I hope to apply in the future. The first is the importance of communicating scientific ideas to a broader audience. Especially through the research symposium, conveying my ideas clearly was important in the communication of my research findings. Additionally, I learned how to appropriately structure a research project through my final paper. This method is largely standard in an academic field. This went hand in hand with learning how to effectively support my research with prior studies. As a prospective student in a heavily research-focused field(physics), these research practices will be crucial when conducting my own career-furthering research.
Process
Process
I've learned so much about myself throughout the course of this project. Especially during the data collection process, nothing seemed to go right. Due to a lack of professional materials inside my budget, I had to get creative and maintain a problem solving mindset. Whether it was having to contact anyone I could find when I realized my 3D mold would not print using our school printer or needing to get creative with the implementation of new pressure gauges when I realized the original ones were too imprecise, I was constantly solving one problem just to know many more were around the corner. Overall, I learned that I can persevere and I'm a good problem solver under this uncertainty. Going into a research focused school and a research focused field, uncertainty is going to be everywhere. This project has taught me to throw stuff at the wall and keep going even when the outcome isn't certain, not just in research but in my wider life.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Mr. McBride: Thank you for helping me bridge the gaps between my ideas and keeping me on track especially in the preliminary stage. Your encouragement and has meant so much to me!
Mrs. Dobos: Thank you for ensuring my ideas were clear always being someone I could bounce ideas off of to improve all aspects of my project. Even though you were worried, I really appreciate your continual support!
Jake McClintock: Thanks Jake for connecting me with your school and 3D printer and testing all the different versions of my 3D print. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!
Greg Forsha: Thank you Greg for helping me understand the physics of my experimental design. Your input made my ultimate experiment possible!
Project
Project
Abstract
Two different skin structures were examined in their capacities to reduce drag over different eater turbulence conditions: a streamwise streaking pattern and riblet surface. While riblet-based skin structures are extremely common in hydrodynamics, a streamwise streaking pattern has never been compared to it. The streamwise streaking pattern was replicated using a 3D printed mold of European Sea Bass scales and the riblet structures were replicated from a Shortfin Mako. 3D printed test plates were placed across a hollow test tube through which water flowed. Measuring the change in static water pressure across the surface using two gauges indicated the test piece's effectiveness in drag reduction. The European Sea Bass mold was more effective than the Shortfin Mako mold at every water turbulence; Using a two-paired t-test, the collected data proved this conclusion statistically significant. As a result, much potential exists in the implementation of streamwise streaming scale patterns in fluid-interacting objects such as water and aircraft. Given that these industries are large contributors to the global economy and climate change, applications of streamwise streaking can serve to reduce drag on these bodies and alleviate these issues.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Next year, I planning on attending the University of Washington as a physics major. While this research project has come to an end, this is only the start of a research career I plan on furthering. Research is the key to new discoveries, and I hope to be part of these. In the future, I hope to continue to apply what we see in nature to the biggest problems in physics. The natural world is full of ideas built by evolution waiting to be applied to humanity. I'm super stoked to continue my academic journey, and can't wait for the experiences I will have along the way.
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