The development of flow control techniques to reduce aerodynamic drag is a topic of significant interest within the fluid dynamics research community. Drag reduction is, in fact, a key factor in lowering the emissions and operating costs of transport vehicles. The portion of drag resulting from the viscous forces arising in the proximity of surfaces, referred to as skin friction, is particularly relevant in aerodynamic bodies such as aircraft wings and fuselages. A promising passive flow control method that enables skin friction drag reduction consists of applying microscopic-sized grooves, known as riblets, to the surface. Experimental observations of riblet-manipulated boundary layers are usually carried out on riblet-equipped tiles installed within the surface of a bigger flat plate.