Investigation of Three-Dimensional Lagrangian Coherent Structures in Flow Past Single and Arrays of Plate: Linear Energy Harvesting Applications

Abstract

Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are performed to investigate the coherent structures in flows past a single and an array of tandem plates. Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) are used to investigate the nonlinear vortex dynamics of flow past a single plate. The Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) is calculated using the velocity data obtained from Large Eddy Simulations (LES). All simulations are conducted at Reynolds number of 50,000. LCS for a single plate is presented in this study to elucidate and comprehend highly turbulent flow interactions in these flows. The LCS is compared against most commonly used Eulerian structures which are contours of the vorticity and the Q-criterion. The FTLE fields reveal much clearer turbulent structures compared to the Eulerian structures. FTLE better describes the evolution of larger scale eddies. The Q-criterion of flows past an array of plates is also presented.