Numerical Investigation of Rotating Lid-driven Cubical Cavity Flow

Jitendra Kumar; N.R. Panchapakesan

doi:10.14429/dsj.67.10289

Jitendra Kumar Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600 036
N.R. Panchapakesan Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600 036

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.67.10289

Keywords: Lid-driven cavity flow, Critical Reynolds number, Unsteady flow

Abstract

The present work numerically investigates the flow field in a cubical cavity driven by a lid rotating about an axis passing through its geometric center. Behaviour of core flow and secondary vortical structures are presented. Grid-free critical Reynolds number at which flow turns oscillatory is estimated to be 1606. This differs significantly from the linear lid-driven cubical cavity as well as circular lid-driven cylindrical cavity flows which have been reported to attain unsteadiness at higher Reynolds numbers. A stationary vortex bubble similar to rotating lid-driven cylindrical cavity flow has been observed to be present in the flow.

Author Biographies

Jitendra Kumar, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600 036

Mr. Jitendra Kumar obtained his BTech (Mechanical Engg.) from IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, in 2003 and MTech (Aerospace) from IIT Madras, Chennai. Currently working as Scientist D at Aeronautical Development Agency, Bengaluru. His research interests includes : Aircraft aerodynamics (steady and unsteady turbulent flows) and performance.

N.R. Panchapakesan, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai – 600 036

Dr N.R. Panchapakesan obtained his PhD (Aerospace Engg.) from Cornell University, New York, in 1991. He is currently working as Associate Professor in department of Aerospace engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai. His area of expertise include: Fluid mechanics, stability and transition of fluid flows and turbulence. His current research interests include turbulent jets, mixing layers and confined cavity flows.