Effect of crossflow oscillation Strouhal number on circular cylinder wake

Abstract

The wake flow features and aerodynamic characteristics of a circular cylinder in an oscillating crossflow were experimentally investigated. The study focused on crossflow oscillation Strouhal numbers that were smaller than the natural wake vortex-shedding Strouhal numbers. Crossflow oscillations were generated using a downstream rotating plate method. The flow evolution processes were observed using laser-light sheet assisted smoke flow visualization technique. Wake instability and time-averaged velocities were assessed using a one-component hot-wire anemometer and particle image velocimetry. Pressure distributions on the cylinder's surface were quantified using a linear pressure scanner, obtaining pressure coefficient distributions and drag forces. The wake instability Strouhal number, velocity vectors, streamline patterns, and recirculation bubble geometries in the wake region of the circular cylinder were determined. The wake turbulence properties were analyzed using the triple-decomposition method, including turbulence intensities and Lagrangian integral length and time scales. The results of natural and oscillating crossflows were compared. The wake vortex-shedding Strouhal number was lower than the natural Strouhal number but higher than the crossflow oscillation Strouhal number. It was primarily influenced by the oscillation Strouhal number and the Reynolds number of the crossflow. Critical crossflow Reynolds and oscillation Strouhal numbers were identified, beyond which the wake vortex-shedding Strouhal number reached a constant value. The crossflow oscillation intensity did not significantly affect the wake vortex-shedding behavior. The study provided quantitative descriptions and discussions of recirculation bubble geometries and statistical turbulence properties. Furthermore, the crossflow oscillations led to a substantial reduction in the drag coefficient experienced by the circular cylinder.