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This paper describes an experimental investigation of the shielding effects of various disks placed coaxially upstream of an axisymmetric, flat-faced cylinder. Remarkable decrease of the drag of such a system was observed for certain combinations of the basic geometric parameters, namely the diameter and gap ratios. For such optimum shielding the stream surface which separates from the disk reattaches smoothly onto the front edge of the cylinder, in what is close to a ' free-streamline' flow; alternatively, the flow may be viewed as a cavity flow. For the optimum as well as other geometries, flow pictures, pressure distributions and some LDV measurements were also obtained. From these, several flow regimes depending on the gap/diameter parameters were identified. Variations on the axisymmetric disk-cylinder configuration included a hemispherical frontbody, rounding of the front edge of the cylinder and a change from circular to square cross-section.

Purpose: To determine the role of valve closure and column segmentation in ambulatory venous pressure regulation. Methods: Using a mechanical model consisting of a graduated adjustable valve and a collapsible tube, we studied the differential effects of valve closure and tube collapse on venous pressure regulation. By utilizing materials with differing wall properties for the infravalvular tube, the influence of wall property changes on tube function and pressure regulation was explored. Results: Valve closure, per se, does not cause venous pressure reduction. Collapse of the tube below the valve is the primary pressure regulatory mechanism. The nonlinear volume-pressure relationship that exists in infravalvular tubes confers significant buffering properties to the collapsible tube, which tends to retain a near-constant pressure for a wide range of ejection fractions, residual tube volumes, and valve leaks. Changes in tube wall property affect this buffering action, at both the low and high ends of the physiological venous pressure range. Conclusions: The valve and the infravalvular venous segment should be considered together in venous pressure regulation. Tube collapse of the segment below the valve is the primary pressure regulatory mechanism. An understanding of the hydrodynamic principles involved in pressure regulation derived from this model will provide the basis for construction of more complex models to explore clinical physiology and dysfunction.

The valve and the infravalvular venous segment should be considered together in venous pressure regulation. Tube collapse of the segment below the valve is the primary pressure regulatory mechanism. An understanding of the hydrodynamic principles involved in pressure regulation derived from this model will provide the basis for construction of more complex models to explore clinical physiology and dysfunction.