Work

Effect of Hydrodynamic Loadings and Vorticity Distribution on a Circular Cylinder in a Narrow Channel

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A large eddy simulation (LES) model, integrated with the volume of fluid (VOF) method, was employed to investigate hydrodynamic forces and vorticity distribution around a circular cylinder in a narrow channel. The simulated surface pressure and drag coefficient closely matched the experimental results from flume testing. The ratio of cylinder diameter to channel width is defined as the blockage ratio (Br). The effects of blockage on hydrodynamic loadings and vortex structures around the cylinder were examined through a series of numerical simulations. The results reveal that blockage ratios exceeding 20% significantly alter key flow characteristics, including the upstream and circumferential pressure coefficients, drag coefficient, lateral force coefficient, and Strouhal number. Higher blockage ratios enhance near-wall vortex formation and intensify shear layers. The vertical (Ωy), streamwise (Ωx), and spanwise (Ωz) vorticity components all increase with Br, leading to stronger and more spatially extensive vortex structures near the bed, particularly in the form of horizontally elongated vorticity structures. These changes have important implications for structural stability and local scour. Overall, the findings contribute to the optimization of hydraulic structure design by highlighting the effects of channel confinement on flow-induced forces.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17162366

Authors: Truc Thi Thu Tran, Chia-Ren Chu, Tso-Ren Wu

Institution: National Central University

Language: English

Topic: Fluid Dynamics and Vibration Analysis

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: National Science and Technology Council