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Experimental and numerical investigation of flow control on bluff bodies by passive ventilation

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Abstract

In this work, the so-called natural or passive ventilation drag reduction method is investigated experimentally and numerically. Passive ventilation is performed by directly connecting the high pressure region at the front of a body to the lower pressure in the near wake using a venting duct; in this manner, a net mass flux is established within the wake. In particular, in aerodynamic applications it appears suitable to attain a global reduction in the drag of a body moving in a fluid and a reduction in turbulence levels by means of a global modification of the body wake. Velocity field investigations using particle image velocimetry measurements and a Reynolds averaged numerical code are employed at moderately high Reynolds numbers to clarify the effectiveness of drag reduction on a vented bluff body. The numerical and experimental results agree qualitatively, but the amount of reduction for the vented body (about 10%) is underestimated numerically. The effectiveness of drag reduction has been proved both for smooth and rough (single strip) models. Direct balance measurements are used for comparisons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics, University of Rome, “La Sapienza”, via Eudossiana n. 18, 00184, Rome, Italy

    M. Falchi, G. Provenzano, D. Pietrogiacomi & G. P. Romano

Authors
  1. M. Falchi
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  2. G. Provenzano
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  3. D. Pietrogiacomi
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  4. G. P. Romano
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Correspondence to G. P. Romano.

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Falchi, M., Provenzano, G., Pietrogiacomi, D. et al. Experimental and numerical investigation of flow control on bluff bodies by passive ventilation. Exp Fluids 41, 21–33 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-006-0141-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-006-0141-x

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