Three-dimensional computation for flow around two circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangement by a third-order upwind finite element method

Abstract

We present numerical results of flow around two circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangement by the three-dimensional computation using a third-order upwind finite element scheme. In the case of side-by-side arrangement of two circular cylinders, it has been known from experimental data that the strong interference of vortices behind the cylinders appears when the spacing between the cylinders is short. Consequently, the drag and lift forces acting on two circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangement, as well as two circular cylinders in tandem arrangement, vary according to the spacing between the cylinders. In addition, the drag forces of two kinds are obtained, when the spacing is short. In our computation, the Reynolds number, Re, is set as 1000. The obtained numerical results are qualitatively compared with experimental data.

Keywords:

• Two circular cylinders
• Side-by-side arrangement
• Third-order upwind finite element method
• Three-dimensional computation
• Aerodynamic characteristics

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Norio Kondo