Effect of attached type splitter plate length over a square prism in subcritical Reynolds number

Abstract

Flow over a square prism with attached splitter plate is investigated at Reynolds number 485. Splitter plate attached on the base of a square prism acts as a control for wake modification. By varying the splitter plate length the wake structure can be manipulated according to the need. In present study, we investigated the effect of splitter plate length attached to a square prism using Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization techniques. The results are compared for both configurations with and without splitter plate. The length of the splitter plate are varies over wide range (L/D = 0−5) to characterize the near wake structure. Splitter plate thickness kept nominal with respect to cylinder size (0.1D). Increase in length of splitter plate changes the shear layer roll up distance and hence vortex formation region. Drag coefficient is reduced up to 41% with the splitter plate as compared to prism without splitter plate. The detailed flow structures are investigated from flow visualization, velocity contours and vorticity contours.