Dynamics of separating
and reattaching flows 

Abstract:

Several flow configuration of interest for engineering and environmental applications are characterized by separating and reattaching flows. An example is the flow around elongated bluff bodies, which may be considered as simplified models for high-rise buildings or bridge sections. A typical scenario is the separation of shear-layers, which undergo to instability leading to the formation of vortical structures. These structures are convected downstream interacting each other and with the solid wall. The corresponding mean flow is characterized by a recirculation region ending by mean flow reattachment. Turbulence transition and turbulence superpose to this scenario. Experimental and numerical studies are reviewed herein, to provide insights on the dynamics of separating and reattaching flows and how it impacts on the whole flow features. Implications for numerical simulations and modeling are also highlighted.

Contact : Koen Hillewaert