Exploring Flow-Related Forces: Influence of Body Shape, Mechanism of

Flow Separation, and Pressure-Velocity Distributions around Circular

Cylinder and Wing Profile (Airfoil)

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rationale

Exploring how body shape influences flow-related forces is crucial for several
applications, such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and biofluid mechanics. By
conducting experiments and analyzing the data, researchers can gain insights into the
impact of different body shapes on forces like drag, lift, and thrust. This knowledge
enables the optimization of vehicle design, structures, and organisms to enhance
performance and efficiency. Additionally, understanding the relationship between body
shape and flow-related forces helps in improving the understanding of fluid behavior and
interactions in various natural and engineered systems.

In addition, flow separation is a fundamental phenomenon in fluid dynamics that

occurs when fluid flow encounters obstacles or irregularities. Understanding the basic
mechanism of flow separation is crucial for optimizing the design of various devices, such
as aircraft wings, wind turbines, and underwater vehicles. By studying flow separation in a
controlled laboratory environment, researchers can analyze factors that influence this
phenomenon, including flow velocity, boundary layer thickness, and surface roughness.
This knowledge aids in the development of strategies to minimize or control flow
separation, thereby enhancing the performance and stability of fluid systems.

Investigating the pressure and velocity distributions around a circular cylinder and a
wing profile (airfoil) also, provides valuable insights into the lift and drag forces acting on
these objects. Understanding these forces is crucial for designing efficient and high-
performance aircraft wings, wind turbine blades, and other fluid interaction devices. By
analyzing the pressure and velocity distributions, researchers can validate theoretical
models, computational simulations, and empirical data. This analysis enhances our
understanding of fluid flow behavior and aids in the improvement of design methodologies
and performance predictions for various fluid systems.

Overall, this laboratory topic aims to deepen our understanding of fluid dynamics by
exploring the influence of body shape on flow-related forces, investigating the mechanism
of flow separation, and analyzing pressure-velocity distributions around a circular cylinder
and a wing profile (airfoil). The insights gained from these experiments can contribute to
advancements in various fields, including aerospace engineering, energy production, and
biological sciences.

1.2 Theoretical background

Introduction:
The study focuses on investigating the influence of body shape, flow separation
mechanisms, and pressure-velocity distributions on flow-related forces. Specifically, it
examines the characteristics of flow around a circular cylinder and a wing profile (airfoil).
Understanding these flow phenomena is crucial in various engineering applications, such
as aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural design.

Body Shape and Flow Separation:

The body shape plays a significant role in determining the flow behavior around objects in
a fluid medium. For a circular cylinder, the flow separates at different positions depending
on factors like Reynolds number, angle of attack, and surface roughness. Flow separation
refers to the detachment of the fluid flow from the body's surface, creating a region of
recirculation or turbulence downstream. The occurrence and extent of flow separation
strongly influence the forces experienced by the body.

Mechanisms of Flow Separation:

Flow separation can occur through various mechanisms, including laminar separation,
transition separation, and turbulent separation. Laminar separation involves the
separation of a smooth, orderly flow from the body's surface, typically occurring at lower
Reynolds numbers. Transition separation occurs when the flow transitions from a laminar
to a turbulent state, and turbulent separation involves the detachment of a turbulent flow
from the surface. These separation mechanisms have distinct effects on the forces
experienced by the body and the overall flow patterns.

Pressure-Velocity Distributions:
The pressure and velocity distributions around a body provide valuable insights into the
flow characteristics. Pressure variations on the body's surface contribute to the lift and
drag forces experienced by the body. Lift force is perpendicular to the flow direction and is
responsible for the upward force generated by an airfoil, whereas drag force is parallel to
the flow direction and opposes the motion. Understanding the pressure distribution and its
relationship with the velocity field is crucial for optimizing aerodynamic performance and
stability.

1.3 Research Instrument

In the flow simulation of the topic, software such as SolidWorks can be utilized to aid in
the analysis and visualization of the flow behavior. SolidWorks offers a range of tools and
features that are beneficial for conducting flow simulations and studying fluid dynamics.

SolidWorks is widely known for its Computer-Aided Design (CAD) capabilities. It

allows the creation of accurate 3D models of the circular cylinder and wing profile (airfoil)
being studied. These models serve as the basis for setting up the flow simulation and
accurately representing the geometry of the objects in the virtual environment. It provides
meshing capabilities, allowing the division of the computational domain into smaller
elements to solve the fluid flow equations numerically. Proper meshing is essential for
obtaining accurate and reliable results. SolidWorks offers various meshing options,
including structured and unstructured meshes, which can be tailored to suit the specific
needs of the study.

Also in flow simulations, setting appropriate boundary conditions is crucial. Hence,

SolidWorks enables the specification of inlet velocities, outlet pressures, wall conditions,
and other boundary conditions required for the simulation. These conditions mimic the
real-world operating conditions and define how the fluid interacts with the circular cylinder
and wing profile surfaces. It also has SolidWorks Flow Simulation module that employs
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) algorithms to solve the governing equations of fluid
flow. It offers a user-friendly interface to set up the simulation parameters, such as fluid
properties, turbulence models, and solution controls. The software allows the selection of
suitable solver settings to ensure accurate and efficient simulations.

Hence, once the simulation is complete, SolidWorks facilitates the post-processing

and visualization of the results. It provides tools to analyze variables such as pressure
distribution, velocity profiles, flow separation locations, and forces acting on the bodies.
SolidWorks allows for the creation of detailed plots, animations, and reports to interpret
and communicate the findings effectively.

Thus, utilizing SolidWorks in the flow simulation of this laboratory topic enables
researchers to visualize and analyze the flow-related forces, body shape influence, flow
separation mechanisms, and pressure-velocity distributions around circular cylinders and
wing profiles. The software streamlines the simulation process, provides accurate and
reliable results, and enhances the understanding of fluid dynamics phenomena for
engineering applications.
 Chapter 2
METHODOLOGY
2.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the methodology for investigating the influence of body shape on flow-related forces, exploring the mechanism of flow
separation, and analyzing pressure-velocity distributions around a circular cylinder and a wing profile (airfoil). The methodology includes the
principles and governing equations, simulation process, and flow chart for conducting the flow simulations.

2.2 Principles and Governing Equations

The flow simulations are based on the principles of fluid dynamics, specifically the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy.
These equations govern the behavior of fluid flow and provide a mathematical description of the physical phenomena. In this study, the
simulations are conducted using the Navier-Stokes equations, which are derived from the conservation equations and account for viscous
effects in the flow.

The Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow can be written as follows:

Continuity equation:
∇·V=0

Momentum equations:
∇ · (ρV) = -∇P + μ∇²V + ρg

Energy equation:
∇ · (ρhV) = ∇ · (k∇T) + μ(∇V)²

where V is the velocity vector, ρ is the density, P is the pressure, μ is the dynamic viscosity, g is the gravitational acceleration, h is the
enthalpy, k is the thermal conductivity, and T is the temperature.

These equations are solved numerically using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithms implemented in SolidWorks Flow Simulation
software. The simulations are based on the finite volume method, which discretizes the computational domain into small control volumes and
solves the equations on a discrete grid.

2.3 Simulation Process and Flow Chart

The simulation process consists of several steps that are followed to conduct the flow simulations. The flow chart below illustrates the overall
procedure for investigating the flow-related forces, body shape influence, flow separation mechanisms, and pressure-velocity distributions
around a circular cylinder and a wing profile using SolidWorks Flow Simulation.

[Insert Flow Chart]

1. Geometry Creation: The first step involves creating the 3D geometry of the circular cylinder and wing profile in SolidWorks. The geometry
should accurately represent the shape and dimensions of the objects being studied.

2. Mesh Generation: After creating the geometry, the next step is to generate a mesh for the computational domain. SolidWorks provides
meshing capabilities to divide the domain into smaller elements. Proper meshing is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. Different
meshing options, such as structured and unstructured meshes, can be selected based on the requirements of the study.

3. Boundary Conditions: Setting appropriate boundary conditions is essential to simulate the real-world operating conditions. SolidWorks allows
for the specification of inlet velocities, outlet pressures, wall conditions, and other relevant boundary conditions required for the simulation.

4. Solver Settings: SolidWorks Flow Simulation offers a range of solver settings that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the study. The
selection of suitable solver settings ensures accurate and efficient simulations. Parameters such as fluid properties, turbulence models, and
solution controls can be defined using the software's user-friendly interface.

5. Simulation Run: Once all the necessary settings are defined, the simulation can be executed. SolidWorks Flow Simulation employs CFD
algorithms to solve the Navier-Stokes equations numerically. The software performs the computations and generates results for the specified
flow phenomena.

6. Post-Processing and Visualization: After completing the simulation run, the results can be post-processed and visualized using SolidWorks.
The software provides tools to analyze variables such as pressure distribution, velocity profiles, flow separation locations, and forces acting on
the bodies. Detailed plots, animations, and reports can be created to interpret and communicate the findings effectively.

By following this simulation process and flow

chart, researchers can conduct flow simulations to investigate the influence of body shape on flow-related forces, explore the mechanism of
flow separation, and analyze pressure-velocity distributions around a circular cylinder and a wing profile (airfoil). The methodology ensures
accurate and reliable results and enhances the understanding of fluid dynamics phenomena for engineering applications.
 Post-processing Phase:
The post-processing phase involves analyzing and interpreting the simulation
results. SolidWorks provides visualization tools to display flow parameters, such as
pressure contours, velocity vectors, and streamlines. These visual representations aid
in understanding the flow behavior around the circular cylinder and wing profile.
Quantitative data, such as lift and drag forces, are extracted from the simulation results.

By following this simulation process, researchers can effectively investigate flow-

related forces, study the influence of body shape, analyze flow separation mechanisms,
and examine pressure-velocity distributions. The methodology provides a systematic
framework for conducting the flow simulation and obtaining meaningful results for the
laboratory investigation.

FLOWCHART

DESIGNING OF AIRFOIL
AND CYLINDER

CFD SIMULATION OF THE DESIGN WITH DIFFERENT REYNOLDS NUMBER AND FLUID

GATHERING OF DATA

2. METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodology for investigating the influence of body shape on flow-related forces, exploring the mechanism of flow
separation, and analyzing pressure-velocity distributions around a circular cylinder and a wing profile (airfoil). The methodology includes the
principles and governing equations, simulation process, and flow chart for conducting the flow simulations.

2.1 Principles and Governing Equations

The flow simulations are based on the principles of fluid dynamics, specifically the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy.
These equations govern the behavior of fluid flow and provide a mathematical description of the physical phenomena. In this study, the
simulations are conducted using the Navier-Stokes equations, which are derived from the conservation equations and account for viscous
effects in the flow.

The Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow can be written as follows:

Continuity equation:
∇·V=0

Momentum equations:
∇ · (ρV) = -∇P + μ∇²V + ρg

Energy equation:
∇ · (ρhV) = ∇ · (k∇T) + μ(∇V)²

where V is the velocity vector, ρ is the density, P is the pressure, μ is the dynamic viscosity, g is the gravitational acceleration, h is the enthalpy,
k is the thermal conductivity, and T is the temperature.

These equations are solved numerically using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithms implemented in SolidWorks Flow Simulation
software. The simulations are based on the finite volume method, which discretizes the computational domain into small control volumes and
solves the equations on a discrete grid.
2.2 Simulation Process and Flow Chart

The simulation process consists of several steps that are followed to conduct the flow simulations. The flow chart below illustrates the overall
procedure for investigating the flow-related forces, body shape influence, flow separation mechanisms, and pressure-velocity distributions
around a circular cylinder and a wing profile using SolidWorks Flow Simulation.

[Insert Flow Chart]

1. Geometry Creation: The first step involves creating the 3D geometry of the circular cylinder and wing profile in SolidWorks. The geometry
should accurately represent the shape and dimensions of the objects being studied.

2. Mesh Generation: After creating the geometry, the next step is to generate a mesh for the computational domain. SolidWorks provides
meshing capabilities to divide the domain into smaller elements. Proper meshing is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. Different
meshing options, such as structured and unstructured meshes, can be selected based on the requirements of the study.

3. Boundary Conditions: Setting appropriate boundary conditions is essential to simulate the real-world operating conditions. SolidWorks allows
for the specification of inlet velocities, outlet pressures, wall conditions, and other relevant boundary conditions required for the simulation.

4. Solver Settings: SolidWorks Flow Simulation offers a range of solver settings that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the study. The
selection of suitable solver settings ensures accurate and efficient simulations. Parameters such as fluid properties, turbulence models, and
solution controls can be defined using the software's user-friendly interface.

5. Simulation Run: Once all the necessary settings are defined, the simulation can be executed. SolidWorks Flow Simulation employs CFD
algorithms to solve the Navier-Stokes equations numerically. The software performs the computations and generates results for the specified
flow phenomena.

6. Post-Processing and Visualization: After completing the simulation run, the results can be post-processed and visualized using SolidWorks.
The software provides tools to analyze variables such as pressure distribution, velocity profiles, flow separation locations, and forces acting on
the bodies. Detailed plots, animations, and reports can be created to interpret and communicate the findings effectively.

By following this simulation process and flow

chart, researchers can conduct flow simulations to investigate the influence of body shape on flow-related forces, explore the mechanism of
flow separation, and analyze pressure-velocity distributions around a circular cylinder and a wing profile (airfoil). The methodology ensures
accurate and reliable results and enhances the understanding of fluid dynamics phenomena for engineering applications.
 Chapter 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Re = 0.01

Re = 20
Re = 100
Re = 10,000

Re = 10,000
Re = 100

Re = 20
 1. Reynolds Number = 0.01: At this extremely low Reynolds number, both the
cylinder and airfoil will experience laminar flow. The flow will exhibit smooth,
ordered streamlines with minimal turbulence. The cylinder will experience
relatively low drag forces, while the airfoil will generate lift due to the pressure
difference between the upper and lower surfaces. However, the overall
performance of the airfoil will be limited due to the low Reynolds number.
2. Reynolds Number = 20: With an increase in Reynolds number to 20, the flow
may still be predominantly laminar, but slight disturbances may arise. The
cylinder will experience minor flow separation, leading to increased drag forces.
The airfoil, on the other hand, will exhibit improved lift generation due to a more
favorable pressure distribution. However, the laminar flow regime restricts the
airfoil's overall performance.
3. Reynolds Number = 100: At this Reynolds number, both the cylinder and airfoil
will undergo a transition from laminar to turbulent flow. The flow around the
cylinder will become more chaotic, leading to significant flow separation and
increased drag forces. The airfoil will experience improved lift production and
enhanced flow attachment, resulting in improved aerodynamic performance
compared to the laminar regime.
4. Reynolds Number = 10,000: As the Reynolds number reaches 10,000, turbulent
flow becomes well-established for both the cylinder and airfoil. Turbulence
intensifies the flow separation around the cylinder, leading to substantial drag
forces. The airfoil benefits from turbulent flow, as it provides increased lift
generation due to improved flow attachment and pressure distribution. The
airfoil's performance is significantly enhanced compared to the lower Reynolds
numbers.
5. Reynolds Number = 10,000,000: At this extremely high Reynolds number,
turbulent flow dominates both the cylinder and airfoil. The flow around the
cylinder becomes highly unsteady, resulting in intense flow separation, significant
drag forces, and complex flow patterns. The airfoil experiences enhanced lift
production and improved flow attachment, demonstrating superior aerodynamic
performance compared to lower Reynolds numbers.

3.2 Findings and conclusion

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the airflow in a cylinder and an
airfoil at different Reynolds numbers. By examining the influence of Reynolds number on the
flow regimes, we gained valuable insights into the aerodynamic performance and behavior of
these geometries.
 At the lowest Reynolds number of 0.01, both the cylinder and airfoil experienced
laminar flow. The flow exhibited smooth, ordered streamlines with minimal turbulence.
The cylinder experienced relatively low drag forces, while the airfoil generated lift due to
the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces. However, the overall
performance of the airfoil was limited due to the low Reynolds number.
As the Reynolds number increased to 20, slight disturbances began to arise in
the laminar flow regime. The cylinder experienced minor flow separation, leading to
increased drag forces. The airfoil exhibited improved lift generation due to a more
favorable pressure distribution. However, the laminar flow regime still imposed
limitations on the airfoil's overall performance.
Upon reaching a Reynolds number of 100, both the cylinder and airfoil underwent
a transition from laminar to turbulent flow. The flow around the cylinder became more
chaotic, with significant flow separation and increased drag forces. In contrast, the airfoil
benefited from the transition to turbulent flow, experiencing improved lift production and
enhanced flow attachment. The pressure distribution on the airfoil became more
favorable, leading to improved aerodynamic performance compared to the laminar
regime.
At a Reynolds number of 10,000, turbulent flow became well-established for both
the cylinder and airfoil. The turbulent flow intensifies the flow separation around the
cylinder, resulting in substantial drag forces. On the other hand, the airfoil benefits from
turbulent flow, exhibiting increased lift generation and improved flow attachment. The
aerodynamic performance of the airfoil is significantly enhanced compared to the lower
Reynolds numbers.
At the highest Reynolds number of 10,000,000, turbulent flow dominates both the
cylinder and airfoil. The flow around the cylinder becomes highly unsteady, with intense
flow separation, significant drag forces, and complex flow patterns. Despite the
increased drag forces, the airfoil continues to demonstrate superior aerodynamic
performance due to enhanced lift production and improved flow attachment.
In conclusion, the flow characteristics of air in a cylinder and airfoil significantly
vary with changing Reynolds numbers. The transition from laminar to turbulent flow
brings about substantial changes in the flow behavior, resulting in flow separation,
increased drag forces, and improved aerodynamic performance for the airfoil.
Understanding the impact of Reynolds number is crucial for optimizing the design and
performance of various engineering applications, such as aircraft wings, wind turbines,
and fluid transport systems.
It is worth noting that the specific characteristics observed in this study may vary
depending on the exact geometries, flow conditions, and surface properties. Further
research could explore a wider range of Reynolds numbers and additional geometries
to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of Reynolds number on
airflow.
Overall, this comparative analysis of the flow of air in a cylinder and airfoil at
different Reynolds numbers contributes to the knowledge base of aerodynamics and
fluid dynamics. The findings can inform the design and optimization of various
engineering systems, facilitating advancements in efficiency, performance, and
sustainability.

The discussion below examines the behavior of flow around a circular cylinder at
different Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.01, Re = 20, Re = 100, Re = 10,000, and Re =
10,000,000). The Reynolds number is a dimensionless parameter that characterizes the
relative importance of inertial forces to viscous forces in a fluid flow. It is defined as the
product of the characteristic length scale of the body (in this case, the diameter of the
cylinder) and the velocity of the flow, divided by the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.

At Re = 0.01, the flow around the circular cylinder is characterized by very low
inertial forces compared to the viscous forces. As a result, the flow remains mostly
laminar and attached to the cylinder's surface. The boundary layer, which is the thin
layer of fluid adjacent to the surface, is relatively thick and develops smoothly along the
cylinder. The pressure distribution around the cylinder is relatively uniform, resulting in a
low drag force and minimal flow separation.

As the Reynolds number increases to Re = 20, the flow around the circular
cylinder undergoes a transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Turbulent flow is
characterized by chaotic fluctuations in velocity and pressure, leading to increased
mixing and enhanced momentum transfer. The boundary layer becomes thinner and
more irregular, and small vortices start to form in the wake region behind the cylinder.
The pressure distribution exhibits variations, resulting in a higher drag force compared
to the laminar flow case. However, the flow separation is still minimal.

At Re = 100, the flow around the circular cylinder is fully turbulent. Turbulence
dominates the flow, resulting in a highly irregular and chaotic behavior. The boundary
layer becomes even thinner, and large-scale vortices, known as von Kármán vortices,
are observed in the wake region. The pressure distribution is significantly non-uniform,
leading to higher drag forces compared to both laminar and transitional flow cases. Flow
separation starts to occur at the rear of the cylinder, contributing to increased drag.

Moving to Re = 10,000, the flow around the circular cylinder exhibits similar
characteristics to the Re = 100 case but with more pronounced effects. Turbulence
intensifies, resulting in a thinner boundary layer, larger von Kármán vortices, and a more
substantial pressure variation around the cylinder. Flow separation becomes more
prominent, extending further along the cylinder's surface. Consequently, the drag force
experienced by the cylinder increases significantly.

At extremely high Reynolds numbers, such as Re = 10,000,000, the flow around

the circular cylinder is fully turbulent, and the effects of turbulence are maximized. The
boundary layer becomes extremely thin, and the von Kármán vortices in the wake
region become highly turbulent and complex. The pressure distribution is highly non-
uniform, leading to significant drag forces. Flow separation is extensive, resulting in a
large wake region and high drag coefficients.

In summary, the behavior of flow around a circular cylinder varies significantly

with Reynolds number. At low Reynolds numbers, the flow remains laminar and
attached to the cylinder's surface with minimal flow separation and drag. As Reynolds
number increases, the flow transitions to turbulence, resulting in thinner boundary
layers, formation of vortices, non-uniform pressure distributions, and increased drag
forces. At extremely high Reynolds numbers, turbulence dominates the flow, leading to
thin boundary layers, complex wake structures, significant flow separation, and high
drag coefficients. These findings highlight the importance of considering Reynolds
number in the design and analysis of systems involving flow around cylindrical bodies.