High-Resolution Numerical Simulation of Low Reynolds Number Incompressible Flow About Two Cylinders in Tandem

Abstract

Low Reynolds number steady and unsteady incompressible flows over two circular cylinders in tandem are numerically simulated for a range of Reynolds numbers with varying gap size. The governing equations are solved on an unstructured collocated mesh using a second-order implicit finite volume method. The effects of the gap and Reynolds number on the vortex structure of the wake and on the fluid dynamic forces acting on the cylinders are reported and discussed. Both the parameters have significant influence on the flow field. An attempt is made to unify their influence on some global parameters.