Numerical investigation of flow past a circular cylinder controlled by electromagnetic force

Abstract

The flow past a circular cylinder controlled by Electromagnetic force is calculated by a finite volume method in order to investigate the control effect of the electromagnetic force on the three-dimensional vortical structures and the dynamics characteristics. The Reynolds number considered are from 200 to 1000, during which the wake transition occurs and the three-dimensional flow structures develop. The electromagnetic force (i.e. Lorentz force) is utilized to suppress the boundary layer separation and modify the vortical structures of the flow past the cylinder in low-conducting electrolyte. It is found that the spanwise wavelength of mode A and mode B instability are about 3.3 and 0.83 times cylinder diameter, respectively. The streamwise vortex becomes finer as the Reynolds number increase. The three dimensional flow structures during the period of vortex shedding may be suppressed effective by the Lorentz force, leading to drag reduction and vibration suppression.