Three dimensional flow over elliptic cylinders arrays in octagonal arrangement

Abstract

A numerical study of flow characteristics around eight elliptic cross-section cylinders in an octagonal configuration is presented. The axis ratio of elliptic cylinder is taken as 1:2. Three spacings between the cylinders (0.07 m, 0.14 m and 0.2 m), two angles of attack (α=0° and α=15°) and two Reynolds numbers (Re=4060 and Re=45800) are considered to investigate the parametric influences. The flow is modelled using three-dimensional large eddy simulation. Simulations are performed by utilizing ANSYS Fluent software. The results comprise of flow patterns and force coefficients (drag and lift). It is seen that both the drag and lift forces acting on the cylinders vary with the spacings values, angle of attack and Reynolds numbers. The lift force peaks at α=15° and Reynolds number 45800. The drag force on the upstream cylinder reaches its peak at α=0° and Reynolds number 4060. It is observed that the drag on the upstream cylinders decreases as the value of the Reynolds number increases. Contours of velocity and subgrid turbulent viscosity are also presented. Moreover, it is concluded from the present study that the effect of change in the Reynolds number on flow characteristics is more significant as compared to the change in the spacing between the cylinders.