The Origin and Nature of the Lift Force on the Leeward of Two Bluff Bodies

Abstract

SummaryThis paper deals with the force coefficients on the leeward of two bluff bodies, in particular with the origin and nature of the lift force. Initially a general description of the characteristics of the force coefficients, plus the effect of parameters such as free-stream turbulence and surface roughness in the form of stranding, is given.A resume of all the known suggestions for the origin of the lift force is listed and a series of experiments, attempting to test these suggestions using simple methods, is described. These methods consist mainly of force measurement, involving force measurement on the leeward conductor using different shapes for the leeward and windward bodies. However, static pressure tapping and flow visualisation are also employed to a small degree.It is shown that none of the suggestions gives a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the lift force. However, several interesting points were noted; for instance the dependence of the lift profiles for the leeward body on its own characteristics in the wake and not particularly on the wake characteristics. Hence it is shown that the use of wake parameters, measured without the presence of the leeward body when attempting to assess the forces thereon, is an over-simplification of the situation as far as lift is concerned while appearing to work quite well for drag.