Modifying a Reattaching Shear Layer Using a Rotating Cylinder

Abstract

The interaction between an incompressible turbulent reattaching flow over a 2D backward facing step and a rotating cylinder mounted after the step was investigated numerically. The flow field was solved using the finite element numerical method and the RNG turbulence model. The effects of the cylinder rotational speed and position on the reattachment length and normalized maximum turbulent kinetic energy are reported and discussed. The rotating cylinder could be used to control the flow field, both locally and globally.