Abstract:
The effect of aspect ratio on steady laminar
fluid flow past an elliptical cylinder is investigated
numerically at two low Reynolds numbers, 20 and
40. The two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations
are solved using an original fully coupled resolution
method, without any transformation of continuity
equation. The wake’s length and maximum width,
as well as drag coefficient increase as aspect ratio
increases. A pair of steady vortices forms when
aspect ratio reaches a critical value.
