https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01793-2
Regular Article
Flow field analysis of an elliptical moving belt in transitional flow regime
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Quchan University of Technology, 94771-77870, Quchan, Iran
2
Metamaterials for Mechanical, Biomechanical and Multiphysical Applications Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, 758307, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, 758307, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
c
mohammad.ghalambaz@tdtu.edu.vn
Received:
21
May
2021
Accepted:
22
July
2021
Published online:
29
July
2021
Study on complicated flows around bluff bodies is significant in terms of flow physics and various engineering applications. In the current paper, a simulation of the flow past an elliptical moving belt along with the Magnus effect in a transitional flow regime was performed. The angle of attack and rotational speed of the moving belt were considered as the variable parameters at a fixed Reynolds number of 105 and ellipse axis ratio (minor to major diameter ratio) of 0.25. The belt motion was such that the ellipse's upper surface was moved in the same direction of the flow and the lower surface motion was in the opposite direction. The numerical simulation procedure was based on the discretization of two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using a pressure-based solver. A modified version of the k-kL-ω turbulence model with the ability to predict separation bubbles was utilized. A large eddy simulation (LES) was also performed to ensure the validity of the two-dimensional assumption and the utilized turbulence model. Results indicated that the belt motion led to a decrease in the boundary layer thickness on the upper surface and an increase in the boundary layer thickness on the belt's lower surface. Moreover, as the attack angle increased, the turbulence on the upper and lower surfaces increased and decreased, respectively. The aerodynamic analysis showed that the belt motion enhanced the lift coefficient and reduced the elliptical belt drag coefficient.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2021