Passive Flow Control for Drag Reduction on a Cylinder in Cross-Flow Using Leeward Partial Porous Coatings

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 w turbulence model, 2D flow around a circular cylinder was simulated at Re = 4.2 x 10(4) with five different angles of partial leeward porous coatings and a full porous coating. For coating angles below 130 degrees, 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 7 degrees ffi coating angle. The results differed greatly for a full porous coating and a 160 degrees 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.