The mapping of vortex fields around single and dual bluff bodies

Abstract

The development and use of a system to measure important parameters of the vortex field in a coordinate grid around several single bluff bodies and dual bluff body combinations are described. Two hot wire sensors were used: a reference sensor at a fixed position and a moving sensor with position coordinates adjusted by using computer control. The strength, frequency and regularity of the vortex shedding are found from the auto-power spectral density of the moving sensor signal. The phase difference between moving and reference sensor signals is found from the cross-power spectral density function between the signals. The results are presented as maps of vortex parameters plotted as a function of sensor position coordinates. The main features of these maps, including the enhancement of vortex shedding from certain dual bluff body combinations, is then discussed.