English

Effects of Thom disk on alleviating ground effects of a wall-mounted rotating cylinder

Fluid Dynamics 2024-12-18 v1

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Thom disks on alleviating ground effects by wall-mounted rotating cylinders, also known as Flettner rotors, which utilize wind energy for ship propulsion. Through three-dimensional direct numerical simulations, our findings reveal that introducing a secondary Thom disk near the ground significantly reduces the three-dimensional flow pattern induced by the ground, leading to a more uniform pressure distribution along the rotor's surface. We also explore how the vertical placement of a secondary Thom disk influences wake dynamics and aerodynamic forces. Optimal placement of the secondary disk is found at the ground, which maximizes the lift-to-drag ratio.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2412.12240,
  title  = {Effects of Thom disk on alleviating ground effects of a wall-mounted rotating cylinder},
  author = {Bao-Yuan Zhao and Kai Zhang and Dai Zhou and Shiliang Hu and Hanfeng Wang},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.12240},
  year   = {2024}
}