Patent ID: 8876052

Claim:
A method for fabricating an array of riblets comprising: forming a master tool having parabolic protuberances having a shape defined by an equation y=px 2 +h corresponding to a desired riblet array; forming a complementary tool from the master tool; depositing high elongation elastomer for riblet tips and a surface layer in the complimentary tool; depositing an adhesive layer to form an applique; removing the high elongation elastomeric applique from the complementary tool; adhering the high elongation elastomeric applique to an aerodynamic surface; and wherein the parabolic protuberances having a shape defined by the equation y=px 2 +h with respect to an x-axis parallel to the surface layer and a y-axis perpendicular to the surface layer wherein h is the height of the riblet tip from the surface layer and p is determined based on the material of fabrication of the riblet tips and the loads imparted to the aerodynamic surface by maintenance and environmental factors.