Numerical simulation of a self-sustained wake-edge interaction

Abstract

The characteristics of the two-dimensional flow structures resulting from the interaction between a bluff trailing edge wake and a downstream leading edge are described by using a Discrete Vortex Method simulation. The typical characteristics of the self-sustained oscillations of impinging wake flow are presented through the use of instantaneous vortex distribution, streamlines and velocity fields. An attempt is made to simulate the formation of a secondary vortex due to vortex-edge interaction from the tip of a sharp leading edge as a self-generating phenomenon. It is shown that satisfactory computer simulation results can be obtained for the complex flow-edge interaction mechanisms.