Two-dimensional numerical simulation of a wave with a current past a circular cylinder. Part 1: Inline flow

This study considered a 2D numerical simulation with LES modeling of a sinusoidal oscillatory flow inline with an imposed uniform flow using primitive variables. The study is performed by a customized code particularly built for this simulation. This code allows an easy implementation to a customized combination of different boundary conditions and discretization schemes. The code is verified against well-recognized studies of a similar type to validate the calculated results. It is found that the drag and inertia coefficients of the wavy flow are reduced with the increased strength of the imposed uniform flow. A strong chaotic behavior was observed in the flow field structures. This behavior has a significant unpredictable influence on the resulting inline and transverse forces through the flow field pattern within the vicinity of the cylinder surface. This influence sometimes causes the exerted forces to increase when compared to the purely wavy flow. Based on this study, it is highly recommended not to uncouple wavy flows from uniform flows to simultaneously capture the combined interactions of such flow scenarios.