Aerodynamic behaviour of bodies in the wakes of other bodies

Abstract

Wakes of two-dimensional bluff bodies are described, with emphasis on the properties of the wake which influence the loads on other bodies placed in the wake. The unsteady irrotational flow outside the true wake is included in the discussion. Some limited information on the wakes of three-dimensional bluff bodies is also considered. The interaction between two bodies is subdivided into two categories: (i) when the bodies are close together and the upstream body is influenced by the downstream one and (ii) when the bodies are so far apart that only the downstream body is affected. Experiments are described in which the load on an aerofoil in the wake of a two-dimensional bluff body was measured. The results are presented in the form of an aerodynamic admittance and these experiments are used to illustrate the type of problem associated with the determination of the loads on a bluff body in a wake. Experiments are also described which show the large variation of time-averaged load which can be developed on a body which is part of a closely packed complex of bodies, as the orientation of the complex to the wind is varied. Finally, some ideas for future research are outlined.