The Aerodynamic Characteristics of D-Section Prisms in a Smooth and in a Turbulent Flow

Abstract

SummaryA measurement of the pressure distributions on D-section prisms over wide ranges of depth to height ratio and incidence in a smooth and in a turbulent flow was made with particular reference to the onset of transverse galloping. Good correlation between the onset of galloping and the critical depth, established already for rectangular and the related prisms with sharp downstream corners, applied also to D-section prisms both in a smooth and in a turbulent flow. The development of a reattachment type pressure distribution on the side face of the prism as the critical depth is reached is responsible for this correlation. There is very little effect of turbulence on the pressure distribution and the Strouhal number of a D-section prism with a depth to height ratio of 0.5.