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This paper presents a numerical study on the impact of partial leeward porous coatings on the drag of circular cylinders in cross-flow. Porous coatings are receiving increasing attention for their potential in passive flow control. An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model was developed that agreed well with the numerical and experimental literature. Using the two-equation shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model, 2D flow around a circular cylinder was simulated at Re = 4.2×104 with five different angles of partial leeward porous coatings and a full porous coating. For coating angles below 130°, the coating resulted in an increase in pressure on the leeward side of the cylinder. There was a significant reduction in the fluctuation of the pressure and aerodynamic forces and a damping effect on vortex shedding. Flow separation occurred earlier; the wake was widened; and there was a decrease in turbulence intensity at the outlet. A reduction of drag between 5 and 16% was measured, with the maximum at a 70° coating angle. The results differed greatly for a full porous coating and a 160° coating, which were found to cause an increase in drag of 42% and 43%, respectively. The results showed that leeward porous coatings have a clear drag-reducing potential, with possibilities for further research into the optimum configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the close interaction between local fluid dynamics and natural convection heat transfer from a pair of isothermally heated horizontal cylinders submerged in water. The presence of a second heated cylinder induces heat transfer enhancements of up to 10%, and strong fluctuations in local heat transfer rate. Therefore specific attention is focused on how the local heat transfer characteristics of the upper cylinder are affected by buoyancy induced fluid flow from the lower cylinder. The paper investigates a range of Rayleigh number between 1.8×106 and 5.5×106, and a vertical cylinder spacing between 2D and 4D. Simultaneous local heat flux measurements and flow velocity measurements using particle image velocimetry reveal oscillatory behaviour of the thermal plume, depending on operating conditions. A joint temporal analysis of the data has provided new insights into the governing mechanisms, which enables further optimisation of the heat transfer performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Synthetic jets are used for active flow control and enhanced heat transfer, and are typically generated by an orifice connected to a cavity with movable diaphragm actuator. Low-power operation is achieved by matching actuator and Helmholtz resonance frequencies. This brief communication presents an analytical model derived from simplified gas dynamics, for estimating the synthetic jet velocity and actuator deflection, based on a cavity pressure measurement. Model closure is provided by a damping force in the orifice, which agrees with established pressure loss correlations for steady flow through short ducts. The model is validated against experimental data obtained for an axisymmetric synthetic jet. The valid frequency range extends from zero, over the Helmholtz resonance frequency, up to a geometry-dependent limit frequency. This model presents a reference against which synthetic jet velocity can be calibrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an exhaust manifold with close-coupled catalyst (CCC) relies heavily on time-consuming transient computional fluid dynamics. The current paper provides experimental validation of the addition principle for pulsating flow in CCC manifolds. The addition principle states that the time-averaged catalyst velocity distribution in pulsating flow equals a linear combination of velocity distributions obtained for steady flow through each of the exhaust runners. A charged motored engine flow rig provides cold pulsating flow in the exhaust manifold featuring blow down and displacement phases, typical of fired engine conditions. Oscillating hot-wire anemometry is used to measure the bidirectional velocity, with a maximum measurable negative velocity of -1 m/s. In part load and zero load conditions, instantaneous reverse flow occurs following the blow-down phase. The two-stage nature of the exhaust stroke combined with strong Helmholtz resonances results in strong fluctuations of the time-resolved mean catalyst velocity. The validity of the addition principle is quantified based on the shape and magnitude similarity between steady and pulsating flow distributions. Appropriate nondimensional groups are used to characterize the flow and quantify the similarity. Statistical significances are provided for the addition principle's validity. The addition principle is valid when the nondimensional scavenging number S exceeds a critical value Scrit, corresponding to cases of low engine speed and/or high flow rate. This study suggests that the CCC manifold efficiency with respect to catalyst flow uniformity could be quantified using a single scalar parameter, i.e., Scrit. The results from the current study are discussed with respect to previously reported results. The combined results are in good agreement and provide a thorough statistically founded experimental validation of the addition principle, based on a broad applicability range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]