A finite element study of the onset of vortex shedding in a flow past two-dimensional circular cylinder. (Q2519587)

The onset of periodic behavior in two-dimensional laminar flow past bodies of various shapes is examined by means of finite-element simulations. The transition from steady to periodic flow is marked by a Hopf bifurcation, which is located by solving an appropriate extended set of steady-state equations. The bodies considered are a circular cylinder, triangular prisms of various shapes, and flat plates and elliptical cylinders aligned over a range of angles to the direction of flow. The results for the circular cylinder are in good agreement with experimental observations and with the results of time-dependent calculations.