Suppression of Vortex Shedding With Rotating Wake-Control Cylinders: Numerical Investigation at a Moderate Reynolds Number

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the suppression of vortex shedding of a larger circular cylinder by the interference of smaller rotating wake-control cylinders positioned around its center. Three-dimensional numerical simulations have been conducted at a moderate Reynolds number of 10,000, thus complementing the previous experimental results by offering a better understanding of the physical mechanisms behind the suppression. Visualization of the vortex wakes revealed a complex disruption of the vortex tubes for the higher rotation speeds, with consequent reduction in the mean drag of almost 52% when compared with that of a bare cylinder. Fluctuating lift has also been drastically reduced in 90%. Configurations of control cylinder that can suppress vortex shedding may produce more efficient suppressors for flow-induced vibrations.