Numerical simulation of the flow around rows of cylinders

Two-dimensional, laminar, unsteady, water flow around cylinder arrays of unequal sizes was simulated using FLUENT™ at Reynolds numbers below 150 (based on the free-stream velocity and first row cylinder diameter). The flow pattern through two rows of inline cylinders showed incomplete vortex shedding behind the first row at a separation distance less than 2d. Karman vortices were not formed and a near-stagnant separated flow region appeared between the aligned cylinders. Cylinders in staggered arrangements shed Karman vortices regardless of the separation between the two rows. This research has shed light on the detailed flow through paper machine forming fabrics.