Time-Dependent Viscous Flow over a Circular Cylinder

Abstract

A finite difference method is extended to high Reynolds number flow about circular cylinders with particular emphasis given to the quantitative description of fine flow features. The method is of the explicit type and includes a directional difference scheme for the nonlinear terms which enhances calculational stability at high Reynolds numbers. A cell structure is chosen which provides local cell dimensions consistent with the structure of solutions expected. Solutions are presented for a range of Reynolds numbers from 1 to 3 × 10 5 in which the flow is started impulsively from rest, and the development is studied up to the approach of the steady‐state or the limit cycle condition, whichever is appropriate to the particular Reynolds number.