Flow over a radiating multi-filamentous structure with various opening angles: From disk-like to cone-like shape

Flow over a radiating multi-filamentous structure with various opening angles has been investigated numerically at low and moderate Reynolds numbers. The opening angle, as the major geometric parameter for investigation, varies from 180° to 40° and the overall shape changes from disk-like to cone-like. The overall model drag decreases monotonously as the magnitude of the opening angle decreases. The opening angle effects on the drag-enhancement are then investigated in terms of the velocity distributions, the structures of the recirculation region, and the pressure distributions. As the Reynolds number increases, the wake structure loses its steadiness and the optimal opening angle is found to be approximately 60° when the critical Reynolds number for a steady recirculation structure becomes maximum. The opening angle effects on the wake steadiness in terms of the intensity of the shear layer are investigated as well. On the one hand, the exit velocity—a quantitative indication of the rate of the base bleed—decreases with the decreasing of the opening angle, which promotes wake unsteadiness. This phenomenon can be attributed to the effective gap width between adjacent filaments and the intensity of the virtual barrier from both macro- and micro-perspectives. On the other hand, a small opening angle decreases the thickness of shear layer and thus the unsteadiness is suppressed. These two effects compete and the balance is reached when the opening angle is near 60°.