Micro PIV measurement of slip flow on a hydrogel surface

Slip flow on a hydrogel surface was investigated in order to clarify the effect of drag reduction on the aqueous surface of living things. Thin-film flow along the hydrogel surface was measured by using a micro PIV (particle image velocimetry) system for comparison with theoretical velocity distribution which satisfied the non-slip condition on a solid surface. The slip flow on the hydrogel was found to be related to the degree of swelling and molecular weight of the hydrogel materials. This shows the possibility of a reduction in wall shear stress as a result of the decrease in the velocity gradient near a wall surface. (paper)