Patent ID: 8413928

Claim:
An array of riblets comprising: an aerodynamic surface; a surface layer for adhering to the aerodynamic surface; a plurality of riblet tips of less than 0.002 inches in height and less than 0.001 inch in base width extending from the surface layer with each riblet tip exposed and subject to deformation, said riblet tips each having a parabolic cross section to provide equalized stress along the riblet surface wherein the parabolic cross section of each riblet tip has a shape with an equation of y=px 2 +h with respect to an x-axis parallel to the surface 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 surface by maintenance and environmental factors.