Air flow over a circular cylinder

In summary, in "flow over a circular cylinder," the velocity varies in the wake region, with the minimum velocity occurring at a point parallel to the center of the cylinder and increasing as the vertical distance from the center increases. The stagnation pressure may also vary in the wake region, as it is dependent on factors such as steady flow, inviscid, incompressible fluid, and irrotational flow. However, in the wake region, the Bernoulli equation may not be valid due to dissipation caused by the cylinder's viscous effects, resulting in a decrease in stagnation pressure.
  • #1
mrajkumar
11
0
Hi,
Could you explain the reason why the velocity varies in the wake region behind the cylinder in "flow over a circular cylinder"? the velocity variation is, minimum at a point parallel to the centre point of the cylinder and increases to free stream velocity as the vertical distance increases from the centre point. rough image file is added.
And is there a possibility that stagnation pressure varies in the wake region? Because my understanding is stagnation pressure should remain constant everywhere in the flow field. only static pressure varies in relation to dynamic pressure to maintain constant stagnation pressure.
Thank you
 

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  • #2
mrajkumar said:
Could you explain the reason why the velocity varies in the wake region behind the cylinder in "flow over a circular cylinder"? the velocity variation is, minimum at a point parallel to the centre point of the cylinder and increases to free stream velocity as the vertical distance increases from the centre point. rough image file is added.

Perhaps the easiest way to visualize this is to think in terms of a frame of reference where your move along with the free stream (i.e. the velocity of the free stream is zero in your frame and the cylinder moves through it). The cylinder will, as a result of viscosity, tend to drag some of the fluid along with it, so while the free stream looks stationary to you before the cylinder passes, a small region behind the cylinder will be moving slightly following its passing. If you then transform that back into the frame with the stationary cylinder, that simply looks like a region of slowed flow in the wake region.

mrajkumar said:
And is there a possibility that stagnation pressure varies in the wake region? Because my understanding is stagnation pressure should remain constant everywhere in the flow field. only static pressure varies in relation to dynamic pressure to maintain constant stagnation pressure.

This is sometimes a true statement, as it is essentially a verbal statement of Bernoulli's equation. So then the question is, do you know under what conditions this statement holds?
 
  • #3
boneh3ad said:
Perhaps the easiest way to visualize this is to think in terms of a frame of reference where your move along with the free stream (i.e. the velocity of the free stream is zero in your frame and the cylinder moves through it). The cylinder will, as a result of viscosity, tend to drag some of the fluid along with it, so while the free stream looks stationary to you before the cylinder passes, a small region behind the cylinder will be moving slightly following its passing. If you then transform that back into the frame with the stationary cylinder, that simply looks like a region of slowed flow in the wake region.
This is sometimes a true statement, as it is essentially a verbal statement of Bernoulli's equation. So then the question is, do you know under what conditions this statement holds?

Thank you sir for the response. That Bernoulli's equation is valid for steady flow, inviscid, incompressible fluid and irrotational flow. And in the above situation can the stagnation pressure increase? Or if it decreases, is it converting to heat? Kindly clarify sir. thank you.
 
  • #4
So out of those reasons why Bernoulli's equation is not valid, assuming incompressible, steady flow, that leaves only phenomena that imply dissipation. In other words, some of the flow energy is being dissipated by the viscous effects of the cylinder. This results in a decrease in stagnation pressure.
 

Related to Air flow over a circular cylinder

1. What is the concept of air flow over a circular cylinder?

The concept of air flow over a circular cylinder refers to the study of how air moves and interacts with a cylinder shape. It is a fundamental aspect of fluid mechanics and is used to understand and predict the behavior of air around objects such as airplane wings, submarine hulls, and other cylindrical structures.

2. What factors affect the air flow over a circular cylinder?

Several factors can affect the air flow over a circular cylinder, including the size and shape of the cylinder, the speed of the air, the density and viscosity of the air, and the angle at which the air meets the cylinder. Other factors such as surface roughness, turbulence, and the presence of other objects can also impact the air flow.

3. How is the air flow over a circular cylinder studied?

The air flow over a circular cylinder is typically studied through experimental and computational methods. Experimental methods involve using wind tunnels and other equipment to physically observe and measure the air flow. Computational methods use mathematical models and simulations to predict and analyze the air flow over a cylinder.

4. What is the significance of studying air flow over a circular cylinder?

The study of air flow over a circular cylinder has many practical applications. It is crucial in designing and optimizing the aerodynamics of various objects and structures. It also plays a significant role in fields such as aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, and renewable energy, where understanding and controlling air flow is essential.

5. What are some common phenomena observed in air flow over a circular cylinder?

Some common phenomena observed in air flow over a circular cylinder include the formation of vortices, the generation of lift and drag forces, and the occurrence of flow separation. These phenomena can have a significant impact on the performance and stability of objects in the air, such as airplanes, and are therefore essential to study and understand.

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