Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same

A method of producing a multilayered riblet structure comprising:

• dispensing a web tool from a first roll;
• applying a first high elongation polymer material to the web tool;
• applying, via a first roller, a riblet liner to the first high elongation polymer material to define a first layered construction;
• placing the first layered construction onto a first rewind roll;
• curing the first layered construction;
• dispensing the first layered construction from the first rewind roll;
• removing the riblet liner via a removal reel;
• applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material;
• applying, via a second roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material to define a second layered construction;
• placing the second layered construction onto a second rewind roll;
• and
• curing the second layered construction.

A method comprising:

• casting a fluorosilicone riblet tip structure using web tool provided from a first roll, wherein casting the fluorosilicone riblet tip structure includes applying a first fluorosilicone material to the web tool as the web tool is unrolled from the first roll;
• heating the flurosilicone riblet tip structure via a first inline oven to cure the fluorosilicone riblet tip structure;
• applying a fluorosilicone layer to the fluorosilicone riblet tip structure, the fluorosilicone layer including a second fluorosilicone material;
• heating the fluorosilicone layer via a second inline oven to cure the fluorosilicone layer;
• and
• applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer adjacent to the fluorosilicone layer.