A numerical study on a series of circular cylinders with different surface distribution

In this research, the flow around a series of circular cylinders was simulated using the numerical method. The effects of changing the distribution of cylinders’ cross-sectional areas on characteristics of the flow are reported and discussed. Modifying the models by changing the form, angle, and dimensions usually leads to the reduction of the available cross-sectional area. However in this study, the cross-sectional area of circular cylinders is considered as constant whereas the cross-sectional area of each cylinder has been changed. In fact, as the cross-sectional area of each cylinder is reduced, the cross-sectional area of other cylinders is increased and vice versa. Models with Same, Decreasing, Increasing, Decreasing-increasing and Increasing-decreasing cross -sectional areas have been studied. For two cylinders, results of this study have revealed that the Decreasing model has the lowest Drag force. Moreover, when there are a series of cylinders (three or more), the Increasing-decreasing model results in reduction of Drag force.