Flow field characteristics and drag reduction performance of high–low velocity stripes on the biomimetic imbricated fish scale surfaces

Abstract Improving energy efficiency and cost reduction is a perennial challenge in engineering. Natural biological systems have evolved unique functional surfaces or special physiological functions over centuries to adapt to their complex environments. Among these biological wonders, fish, one of the oldest vertebrate groups, has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional fluid dynamics capabilities. Researchers are actively exploring the potential of fish skin's distinctive structural and material characteristics in reducing resistance. In this study, models of biomimetic imbricated fish scale are established, and the evolution characteristics of the flow field and drag reduction performance on these bionic surfaces are investigated. The results showed a close relationship between the high–low velocity stripes generated and the fluid motion by the imbricated fish scale surface. The stripes' prominence increases with the spacing of the adjacent scales and tilt angle of the fish scale, and the velocity amplitude of the stripes decreases as the exposed length of the imbricated fish scale surface increases. Moreover, the biomimetic imbricated fish scale surface can decrease the velocity gradient and thereby reduce the wall shear stress. The insights gained from the fish skin‐inspired imbricated fish surface provide valuable perspectives for an in‐depth analysis of fish hydrodynamics and offer fresh inspiration for drag reduction and antifouling strategies in engineering applications.