68th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics (November 22, 2015 — November 24, 2015)

P0045: Exotic wakes of an oscillating cylinder in a flowing soap film

• View Larger
• Download Original

Authors

• Wenchao Yang, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• Mark Stremler, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/APS.DFD.2015.GFM.P0045

Wakes with clearly defined vortex structure are common in many applications from atmospheric flows to micro-devices, and across a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Current interest in vortex wakes at low to moderate Reynolds numbers includes applications to energy harvesting technologies, bio-locomotion, and small-scale autonomous flying vehicles. We use a soap film water tunnel as a model system to better understand the wake of a circular cylinder subject to controlled oscillates transverse to the free-stream flow. The soap film is a convenient experimental system that resembles two-dimensional hydrodynamics in many respects. In the present system, the wake modes can be visualized directly by observing the interference fringe patterns on the flowing soap film. This study will make it possible to more completely understand the mechanisms of fluid-induced vibrations caused by bluff body wakes.