Basic flow field and heat transfer studies about three cylinders of different diameter in transverse flow

Abstract

An experimental investigation, at a Reynolds number of 100,000, was conducted to determine the flow field and heat transfer characteristics of a model composed of three cylinders of different diameter. A wide range of experimental techniques were employed to identify the fluid dynamic behavior of the model including flow visualization, Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA), and static pressure measurements. The model included provisions for cooling and direct measurement of the heat flux about the circumference of the model elements. The flow features on and surrounding the model were identified in detail. The front cylinder of the model had a dominant effect on the overall fluid dynamic character of the model. The aft cylinder was totally immersed within the separated and reversed flow region of the wake. Heat transfer was observed to have only a small effect on the basic flow field character of the model. The local Nusselt number variation about the center and aft cylinders of the model was identified. The front cylinder contributed significantly to the heat transfer between the other model elements and the flow. The center cylinder cooled the flow about the aft cylinder of the model.