Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of The Flow Around A Cylinder


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İlkentapar M., Öner A. A.

4 th International World Energy Conference, Kayseri, Turkey, 6 - 08 December 2024, pp.718-723

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Kayseri
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.718-723
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The flow around a cylinder is a complex and critical phenomenon in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and engineering design. Comprehending the flow dynamics around a cylinder is essential for forecasting structural integrity, vibrational characteristics, and load impacts in engineering applications, such as maritime structures, bridge piers, pipelines, and wind engineering. Examining the flow properties of a cylinder is crucial for optimizing designs to achieve enhanced efficiency, stability, and safety. To accomplish this, both computational and experimental methodologies are extensively employed to furnish a thorough comprehension of the flow dynamics. This study examined the flow around a circular cylinder through both numerical and experimental methods. The influence of the base was disregarded to focus on the principal flow characteristics, and the Reynolds number (Re) was established at 14,000, a regime characterized by vortex shedding and turbulent flow behaviour. The cylinder diameter utilized in the investigation was D = 50 mm, a standard measurement in experimental validation studies. The experimental analysis employed various measurement techniques. The smoke-wire technique was employed for flow visualization, elucidating vortex shedding and boundary layer separation. The aerodynamic forces exerted on the cylinder were quantified to assess lift and drag forces. Velocity data were obtained using a hot-wire anemometer, and pressure measurements were executed to ascertain the pressure distribution over the cylinder's surface. These experimental techniques yielded significant data for the validation of the numerical model. The study utilized the finite element approach for numerical analysis, employing ANSYS FLUENT software. The flow was simulated in a two-dimensional environment with the standard k-ε (SKE) turbulence model, a well endorsed method for turbulent flow around cylindrical structures. The governing equations of fluid dynamics were solved numerically, and the outcomes were compared with the experimental data. A robust correlation was noted between the experimental and numerical findings, indicating the precision and dependability of the computational model.