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Abstract
While cavity flows have been extensively studied, the three-dimensional flow characteristics of full-span finite-width cavities, where the sidewalls are aligned with the test section, remain relatively underexplored – particularly the self-sustained oscillation characteristics driven with secondary motions induced by the sidewalls. In this study, large eddy simulation is used to examine the effect of sidewalls on a full-span finite-width cavity flow at a Reynolds number of R e D ≈ 1 × 10 5 . Two cavity models, each with a width-to-depth ratio of W/D = 1 and length-to-depth ratios of L/D = 1 and 2, are analyzed. Detailed streamwise and spanwise mean flow variables, pressure spectra, and second-order statistics are examined and compared with the full-span cases. The results show that the presence of sidewalls suppresses the pressure fluctuations of the primary recirculation zone, while causing a strong modification of the oscillatory modes as the aspect ratio increases. The observed changes are linked to the hindrance of the free shear layer and the three-dimensional effect associated with the formation of secondary vortices, which become less pronounced when the aspect ratio decreases and are absent in the full-span configuration. This study highlights a strong connection between enhanced three-dimensionality and secondary flow within the primary recirculation zone of full-span finite-width cavities. Additionally, the observed upper bound of secondary flow energy and Reynolds stresses in full-span cases identifies an optimal finite width, offering valuable insights for controlling flow oscillations and energy extraction in full-span finite-width cavity flows.
Published Version
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