Lattice Boltzmann simulation of flow over a circular cylinder at moderate reynolds numbers

Abstract

This work is concerned with Lattice Boltzmann computation of 2-D incompressible viscous flow past a circular cylinder confined in a channel. Computations are carried out both for steady and unsteady flows and the critical Reynolds number at which symmetry breaks and unsteadiness sets in is predicted. Effects of Reynolds number, blockage ratio and channel length are studied in some details. All the results compare quite well with those computed with continuum-based methods, demonstrating the ability and usefulness of the Lattice Boltzmann method in capturing the flow features of this interesting and fluid-mechanically rich problem.