Numerical simulation of flow past a triangular prism with fluid–structure interaction

Abstract

Fluid flows around a pointed object, e.g. the flow around a triangular prism, are often encountered. In this study, numerical simulation of the flow around a triangular prism was carried out using COM-SOL Multiphysics R software. Two cases were considered: the entire area of the triangular prism is fixed; and only the center is fixed. The first case is divided into three different flow models according to the flow state: the separation bubble model, the edge separation model and the attached flow model. The effects of different flow models on the lift coefficient, drag coefficient and Strouhal number were discussed from the perspective of fluid flow. For the second case, the triangular prism periodically rotates while the vortices are separated from the surface. It was found that a stable rotation stage exists after a certain period of time for prisms with different initial positions. The lift and drag coefficients of the triangular prism satisfy the jagged and sinusoidal variation.

Experimental investigation of flow-induced vibration and flow field characteristics of a flexible triangular cylinder

“…Previous studies on flow-induced forces of the rotating triangular cylinder have also mentioned similar variation of the angle of attack, leading to changes in the separation points and pressure distribution on the windward and leeward surfaces of the cylinder (Tu et al 2014). Owing to the force of the fluid, the cylinder tends to rotate to a configuration that balances the flow forces on both sides of the triangular cylinder (Liu et al 2020).…”

“…Owing to the force of the fluid, the cylinder tends to rotate to a configuration that balances the flow forces on both sides of the triangular cylinder (Liu et al. 2020).…”

“…2020; Liu et al. 2020). Both experimental and numerical investigations have been conducted on such systems to highlight the effects of the angle of attack on the system's FIV response (Alonso, Meseguer & Pérez-Grande 2005; Alonso & Meseguer 2006; Alonso, Meseguer & Pérez-Grande 2007; Alonso, Sanz-Lobera & Meseguer 2012).…”

“…It is well understood that the FIV response of a rigid triangle prism is significantly influenced by its orientation with respect to the incoming flow (angle of attack) that can also define the after-body geometry of the system (Seyed-Aghazadeh, Carlson & Modarres-Sadeghi 2017; Chen et al 2020;Liu et al 2020). However, the available studies on the FIV of non-circular geometries have mainly been performed on rigid structures, and there is limited research on the FIV of flexible triangular cylinders.…”

“…When a rigid triangular prism is flexibly mounted and allowed to oscillate in the cross-flow direction, its FIV response can be classified as either vortex-induced vibration (VIV) or galloping with a large amplitude and low oscillation frequency, depending on the angle of attack and flow velocity (Seyed-Aghazadeh et al 2017;Chen et al 2020;Liu et al 2020). Both experimental and numerical investigations have been conducted on such systems to highlight the effects of the angle of attack on the system's FIV response (Alonso, Meseguer & Pérez-Grande 2005;Alonso & Meseguer 2006;Alonso, Meseguer & Pérez-Grande 2007;Alonso, Sanz-Lobera & Meseguer 2012).…”