The vortex-shedding process behind two-dimensional bluff bodies

Abstract

Using a variety of flow-visualization techniques, the flow behind a circular cylinder has been studied. The results obtained have provided a new insight into the vortex-shedding process. Using time-exposure photography of the motion of aluminium particles, a sequence of instantaneous streamline patterns of the flow behind a cylinder has been obtained. These streamline patterns show that during the starting flow the cavity behind the cylinder is closed. However, once the vortex-shedding process begins, this so-called ‘closed’ cavity becomes open, and instantaneous ‘alleyways’ of fluid are formed which penetrate the cavity. In addition, dye experiments also show how layers of dye and hence vorticity are convected into the cavity behind the cylinder, and how they are eventually squeezed out.