This paper deals with the numerical simulation of low Reynolds number flow past a circular cylinder in orbital motion. Energy transfer between the incompressible fluid and a circular cylinder forced to follow an orbital path is investigated as a function of ellipticity. Limit cycles were investigated and show that ellipticity can have a large effect on the energy transfer. Sudden changes in state (jumps) were found when energy transfer is plotted against ellipticity. Phase angle was altered by about 180° at the jumps. The effect of direction of orbit and initial conditions was also investigated.
展开▼