Control of vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder using electromagnetic forces

Both open and closed loop control algorithms have been developed for manipulating wake flows past a solid cylinder in an electrically low-conducting fluid. The intent is to avoid vortex shedding and flow separation from the body, which is achieved through the introduction of localized electromagnetic forces (Lorentz forces) in the azimuthal direction generated by an array of permanent magnets and electrodes on the surface of the circular cylinder. The array of actuators offers the advantage of making the Lorentz force time and space dependent. More specifically, one closed loop control method has been derived from the equations of motion capable of determining at all times the intensity of the Lorentz force in order to control the flow. This is accomplished first, independently of the flow (open loop algorithm) and second, based on some partial flow information measured on the surface of the solid body (closed loop algorithm).