Three-dimensional Laminar Flow Past a Rotating Cylinder

The present study numerically investigates three-dimensional laminar flow past a rotating circular cylinder placed in a uniform stream. For the purpose of a careful analysis of the modification of flow by the effect of the rotation on the flow, numerical simulations are performed at a various range of rotational coefficients (0 <=alpha <= 2.5) at one Reynolds number of 300. As alpha increases, flow becomes stabilized and finally a steady state beyond the critical rotational coefficient. The 3D (three dimensional) wake mode of the stationary cylinder defined at this Reynolds number has been disorganized according to alpha, which were observed by the visualization of 3D vortical structures. The variation of the Strouhal number is very weak when the wake pattern is changed according to the rotational coefficient. As alpha increases, the lift increases, whereas the drag decreases.