Effects of uniform injection and suction through perforated pentagonal cylinders on the flow and heat transfer

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of uniform injection and suction through a perforated pentagonal cylinder on the flow field and heat transfer. Design/methodology/approach The finite-volume method has been used to solve the ensemble-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow at moderate Reynolds number (Re = 22,000) with the k-ɛ turbulence model equations. Findings A computational fluid dynamics analysis of turbulent flow past a non-regular pentagonal cylinder with three different aspect ratios aspect ratios has been carried out to investigate the effects of uniform injection/suction through the front and all surfaces of the cylinder. It is found that flow field parameters such as drag coefficient, pressure coefficient and Nusselt number are affected considerably in some cases depend on injection/suction rate (Γ) and perforated wall position. Research limitations/implications To optimize the efficiency of the injection and suction through a perforated surface, both wide-ranging and intensive further studies are required. Using various perforation ratios and injection/suction intensities are some possibilities. Practical implications Control of the vortex shedding and wake region behind bluff bodies is of vital interest in fluid dynamics. Therefore, applying uniform injection and suction from a perforated bluff body into the main flow can be used as a drag reduction mechanism, thermal protection and heat transfer enhancement. Originality/value This study provides unique insights into the active flow control method around pentagonal cylinders that can be useful for researchers in the field of fluid dynamics and aeronautics.