Numerical investigation of steady flow past an elliptic cylinder at various aspect ratios

Abstract

The effect of aspect ratio on steady laminar fluid flow past an elliptical cylinder is investigated numerically at two low Reynolds numbers, 20 and 40. The two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved using an original fully coupled resolution method, without any transformation of continuity equation. The wake’s length and maximum width, as well as drag coefficient increase as aspect ratio increases. A pair of steady vortices forms when aspect ratio reaches a critical value.