Amy W Lang

US Patent:

20070194178, Aug 23, 2007

Filed:

Feb 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/708897

Inventors:

Amy Warncke Lang - Tuscaloosa AL, US

International Classification:

B64C 21/10

US Classification:

244130

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for either drag reduction or enhancement. In one aspect, an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface comprises at least one array of roughness elements disposed on and extending therefrom the surface. In one example, the interaction of the roughness elements with a turbulent boundary layer of the fluid reduces the skin friction drag coefficient of the surface over an identical smooth surface without the roughness elements.

US Patent:

20100108813, May 6, 2010

Filed:

Mar 31, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/593667

Inventors:

Amy W. Lang - Tuscaloosa AL, US

International Classification:

B64C 1/38

US Classification:

244130

Abstract:

A micro-array surface that provides for drag reduction. In one aspect, an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface comprises at least one array of micro-cavities formed therein the surface. In one example, the interaction of the micro-cavities with the boundary layer of the fluid can delay transition of the fluid over an identical smooth surface without the micro-cavities.

US Patent:

20110274875, Nov 10, 2011

Filed:

Nov 23, 2009

Appl. No.:

13/130448

Inventors:

Amy Warncke Lang - Tuscaloosa AL, US

Assignee:

The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa AL

International Classification:

F15D 1/12
B32B 7/00
F15D 1/06
B32B 3/00

US Classification:

428119, 428141

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for drag reduction. An aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface is provided. The wall surface has at least one array of micro-cavities formed therein the surface. In various examples, the interaction of the micro-cavities with the boundary layer of the fluid can control separation, reduce surface drag, and/or delay transition of the fluid over an identical smooth surface without the micro-cavities.

US Patent:

20150017385, Jan 15, 2015

Filed:

Mar 8, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/383639

Inventors:

- Tuscaloosa AL, US
Amy Warncke Lang - Tuscaloosa AL, US

International Classification:

B32B 7/00
F15D 1/00
B32B 33/00

US Classification:

428141

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for drag reduction. An aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface is provided. The wall surface has a plurality of cavities defined therein the surface. In various examples, the interaction of the cavities with a flow of fluid relative to the wall surface is configured to form a plurality of stable, embedded cavity vortices such that a partial slip condition is produced over the wall surface.