Effect of the free-stream turbulence on the bi-modal wake dynamics of square-back bluff body

The effect of a free-stream turbulence intensity level on the wake dynamics of a square-back Ahmed body is modeled using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation at Re = 9.6 x 10(4). The center of pressure, pressure gradient on the base surface, and the barycenter of the momentum deficit on the wake plane are analyzed to characterize the wake bi-modality dynamics. Given that different flow dynamics have different dominant frequencies, the spectral proper orthogonal decomposition is utilized to separate the wake bi-stability, pumping motion of the whole recirculation region, the Von Karman vortex shedding and the shear layer instability. The results show that entrainment of the oncoming flow into the wake is enhanced, the vorticity thickness is thickened and the length of the wake recirculation region is decreased with the increasing free-stream turbulence, resulting in a lower base suction pressure and a higher level of shear stress. The frequency of the pumping motion is increased with the increase in the oncoming turbulence intensity, while the frequency of Von Karman vortex shedding is irrespective of the level of the background turbulence. Though the correlation between the switching rate and the oncoming turbulence intensity cannot be put forward due to the relatively short numerical simulation time compared with the wind tunnel experiment, it is still known that the turbulence intensity has a positive effect on the wake bi-stability switching.