Effects of shear on vortex shedding patterns in high Reynolds number flow: an experimental study

Abstract

Vortex shedding has been identified as a potential major source of loading on the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Plant Cold Water Pipe (CWP). To gain a better understanding of the vortex shedding phenomena, a series of model tests has been conducted. The results of this investigation are presented. The effects of current shear on vortex shedding patterns in high Reynolds number (R/sub e/) flow around a circular cylinder used to model the OTEC CWP are addressed. Tests were conducted in a wind tunnel on a 56-inch long, 6-inch diameter circular cylinder for various flow and shear conditions. Measurements were conducted to describe the frequencies of the eddies shed from the cylinder and to investigate the fluctuating surface pressure on the cylinder. From these tests it was determined that shedding for high R/sub e/ sheared flow is characterized by the formation of distinct cells of eddies with constant frequency, that pressure fluctuations on the surface of the cylinder are greater for sheared flow than unsheared flow, and that the mean surface pressures are generally independent of the magnitude of shear.