2D CFD on flow-induced forces of three circular, square and diamond columns in equilateral arrangements at low Reynolds number

This paper presents the flow-induced forces over 3-column arrays with different cross-sectional geometries due to the current incidence only, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations for a low Reynolds number (Re). The flow around circular, square, and diamond sections of 3-column arrays was evaluated for stationary conditions (i.e., with no degrees of freedom). These analyses are essential to select the most favorable geometries that minimize the effect of the flow-induced forces, saving time for further investigations. The main results evaluated were drag and lift forces (for individual columns and entire array) and the vorticity field surrounding the arrays. Different relative column spacing ratios (S/L) and flow incidence angles (alpha) were analyzed. The simulations were conducted in a two-dimensional laminar flow, with Re = 100. The numerical code used was OpenFOAM, which makes use of the finite volume method. The results of the forces show that the square section case for S/L = 2 and the flow angle of alpha = 180 degrees has the highest value of total force coefficients, whereas the lowest value occurs for the circular section case of S/L = 3 and alpha = 90 degrees.