Effect of different pitch ratios on the flow around tandem circular cylinders with spoilers

Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of two tandem circular cylinders subjected to various pitch ratios and spoiler configurations in a controlled wind tunnel environment. The primary objective is to understand how the placement and presence of spoiler's influence flow separation, wake interference, surface pressure distributions, and overall aerodynamic performance. The experiments were conducted for three pitch ratios (2D, 4D, and 7D) and four spoiler configurations: NN (no spoilers on either cylinder), NS (spoiler on the downstream cylinder only), SN (spoiler on the upstream cylinder only), and SS (spoilers on both cylinders). Measurements included surface pressure, velocity distribution via hot-wire anemometry, and aerodynamic forces, while qualitative flow patterns were assessed using smoke-wire visualization. The results indicate that the usage of spoilers substantially alters the wake structure and pressure profiles, especially in closely spaced configurations. In the NN configuration, increasing the pitch ratio led to a progressive decoupling of the flow between the cylinders, transitioning from a merged wake to more isolated vortex shedding. In the SN and NS configurations, the asymmetrical placement of spoilers induced unsteady wake interactions and altered reattachment dynamics on the downstream body. The SS configuration exhibited the most disturbed flow regime at low pitch ratios, which gradually stabilized as the spacing increased. Violin plots derived from velocity measurements provided statistical insight into flow symmetry and turbulence intensity, while smoke visualizations captured coherent structures and transition zones across the configurations. The combined analysis demonstrates that both pitch ratio and spoiler configuration are critical parameters in controlling aerodynamic interference and unsteady wake behavior in tandem arrangements. These findings offer valuable implications for flow management and control strategies in offshore structures, cylindrical risers, and heat exchanger tube banks, where vortex-induced vibrations and flow separation play crucial roles.