DefinePK

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effects of aspect ratio (AR) and geometry have on the flow dynamics of a free end finite cylinder via numerical simulation. The AR used in this investigation is AR=3, 5, 7 whilst a circular cantilever cylinder and a rectangular flat plate are used as the geometry. The Reynolds number based on cylinder diameter is 20000. k-? (SST) is used to model the turbulence. End tip effects are seen on free end finite cylinder. By studying the velocity defect flux (Q), tip effects are found to be independent of AR. They are however limited to 2D~3D for circular cantilever cylinder and 3D~4D for rectangular flat plate. Velocity defect is stronger for rectangular flat plate than that of circular cantilever (the range differs from 6.81% to 206.41%) suggesting a stronger vortical activities are present in the wake of rectangular flat plate. It is supported by turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) contours whereby the maximum TKE is approximately 20%~50% higher in rectangular flat plate at each respective AR.