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US 2014/0174642 A1Published application
Elastomeric riblets
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDiane C. Rawlings, Alan G. Burg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a high elongation elastomeric layer having spaced tips and optionally a protective cladding. The elastomeric layer may be adhered to an aerodynamic surface directly or as an appliqué in combination with one or more of an adhesive layer, one or more supporting polymer layers and a metal foil layer.
Claims19
A method for fabricating an array of riblets comprising:
- forming a master tool shaped corresponding to a desired riblet array:
- forming at least one complementary tool from the master tool;
- depositing a high elongation elastomeric layer having tips and a surface layer in the complimentary tool;
- depositing an adhesive layer to form an appliqué;
- removing the high elongation elastomeric appliqué from the complementary tool;
- and,
- adhering the high elongation elastomeric appliqué to an aerodynamic surface.
4 more elements
A method creating an array of riblets in an appliqué comprising:
- forming a master tool shaped corresponding to a desired riblet array:
- forming a web tool from the master tool;
- depositing a high elongation elastomeric layer to form tips and a surface layer in the web tool;
- depositing an adhesive layer to form an appliqué;
- adhering the high elongation elastomeric appliqué to an aerodynamic surface;
- and,
- removing the web tool from the high elongation elastomeric appliqué.
4 more elements
A method of enhancing the durability of a riblet comprising:
- forming an array of a plurality of riblets including a first layer composed of high elongation elastomeric riblets having tips, a surface layer, and a second layer for adherence to a surface;
- and
- adhering the array of riblets to an aerodynamic surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.