Effect of free stream turbulence in critical Reynolds number regime (1.6 × 105- 6.1 × 105) on flow around circular cylinder

Abstract

The flow around a cylinder is a classical aerodynamic problem involving the effect of Reynolds number (Re). Thus far, the impact of turbulence has not been fully clarified despite its important practical value in engineering applications. This study mainly investigates the influence of turbulence in the critical Re regime on the smooth and turbulent flows around a cylinder. The foregoing is accomplished by conducting static pressure measurement model experiments in the Re range of 1.6 × 105-6.1 × 105 and turbulence intensity range (Iu) of 5%-13%. Consequently, a series of useful results for engineering wind resistance design is obtained. The effect of turbulence on each sub-flow regime varies. The structural response to turbulence is more dangerous under conditions such as when the wind pressure coefficients fluctuate strongly and non-Gaussianity is strong. The foregoing effects do not necessarily increase linearly with the turbulence intensity. In addition, the influence of turbulence evidently depends on the Re and corresponding flow regime. Therefore, turbulence must be cautiously managed in scaled model experiments and actual wind resistance design.