The Influence of Vortex Generators on the Drag and Heat Transfer From a Circular Cylinder Normal to an Airstream

Abstract

Experimental investigations were carried out to examine the effect of vortex generators on drag and heat transfer from a circular cylinder in a crossflow. The cylinder was fitted with two rows of vortex generators which were symmetrically placed on either side of and parallel to the front stagnation line. One configuration of vortex generator was used and the angular position of the rows from the front stagnation line was varied. In the heat transfer runs the vortex generator position remained unvaried. Results are presented to show the variation of drag coefficient with Reynolds number for several angular positions of the generator rows. Results are also presented to show the variation of Nusselt number with Reynolds number both for a cylinder with and without generators. These show that both decreases in drag coefficient and increases in Nusselt number can be obtained when vortex generators are fitted.