Computational Examination of Aerodynamics Forces and Evolution of Vortex Shedding of Flow Past Three Square Cylinders at Two Symmetrical Vee Shapes

Abstract

The flow past three square cylinders at two symmetrical vee shapes has been investigated by a finite-volume method numerical technique. The two-dimensional computations have been performed for different Reynolds number (Re) ranging from 1 to 180 in order to consider different flow regimes; the steady, the periodic and the turbulent flow. The validation of the code with the available literature results regarded both the reliability of the computed solutions and the overall resulting efficiency of the methods. Velocity profiles, vorticity contours and integral parameters such as Strouhal number, drag and lift coefficients have been presented and analyzed. Steady and unsteady regimes of flow have been observed by monotonously changing the Re value, leading to the prediction of the critical Reynolds number for each configuration considered. Furthermore, the change in the geometry of the obstacle is found to affect dramatically the emergence of the Hopf bifurcation points. The oscillatory periodic wake is also seen to be influenced by the Strouhal number, which varies with obstacle shape and the Re values. Relevant outcomes of this work are the estimation of the vortex shedding frequencies and the prediction of the best configuration considering the computation of the lift and drag coefficients.