Similarities Between Two-Dimensional and Axisymmetric Vortex Wakes

Abstract

SummaryThis paper presents results of an investigation of the wake flow of a series of two-dimensional bluff bodies with different boundary-layer separation angles. These results are compared with the results of an earlier investigation of a similar series of axisymmetric bodies. It is found that when the same length scales characterising the wakes that were proposed for the axisymmetric case are used in the current investigation, then there is good agreement between the two cases in the variation of the length scales with boundary-layer separation angle. The universal Strouhal number previously proposed for axisymmetric bodies is derived for the two-dimensional bodies under investigation and is found to remain a constant for the different bodies, but at a different numerical value from that found for the axisymmetric bodies.