The Boeing Company
Method for preparing a fluid flow surface

Abstract:

A system and method for preparing a fluid flow surface may include the steps of: (1) producing a laser beam, (2) moving the laser beam across a surface of a work piece, and (3) machining a riblet in the surface by removing material from the surface, wherein the riblet includes a pair of ridges, wherein the pair of ridges is approximately parallel to each other, and each one of the ridges includes opposed sides, and a groove formed between facing ones of the sides and separating the ridges.