On 3D structure of a circular cylinder wake

Abstract

The 3D structure of the wake behind a circular cylinder in a cross-flow is studied experimentally using stereo PIV technique, Reynolds number was around 5 thousands. The statistical characteristics along the cylinder axis are effectively constant and thus 2D, however instantaneous flow-field in the wake is fully 3D. Within the wake dynamical flow, the streamwise vortices and spots of streamwise velocity component pulsations are detected.