Abstract:

The flow past a circular cylinder in the electromagnetic field was simulated by the lattice Boltzmann method. The effect of electromagnetic force on the cylinder was investigated. The treatment of curved boundary and the evaluation of the boundary forces were analyzed. The streamlines, vorticity contours, drag coefficient were presented for the flow past a circular cylinder under various electromagnetic force. Numerical results show that electromagnetic force can modify the configuration of the boundary layer around a circular cylinder and is able to prevent the boundary layer from separation. At the same time, the electromagnetic force is capable of suppressing the shedding of vortices, and reducing the drag.

Key words: drag reduction, magnetohydrodynamic, lattice Boltzmann method, electromagnetic force