Separated flows past immersed bodies can give rise to interesting wake features, even for two-dimensional flows at low Reynolds numbers. Moreover, small changes in geometry can give rise to qualitatively different wake behavior. Understanding how these features form and evolve can allow for accurate prediction of the forces on such bodies, for example, which can used to ensure appropriate and efficient design of such structures. Here we explore flow past three collinear plates that are orthogonal to a uniform flow. By changing the gap between each of the plates, we can observe wakes that are steady, periodic, symmetric, and asymmetric. The finite-time Lyapanov field gives an insightful and aesthetically pleasing means to visualize such wakes.
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