STREAMLINE TOPOLOGY OF THE NEAR WAKE OF A CIRCULAR CYLINDER AT LOW REYNOLDS NUMBERS

摘要

Using methods from bifurcation theory, we find all possible instantaneous streamline patterns in the wake of a cylinder at Reynolds numbers close to the onset of vortex shedding and close to the cylinder. The analysis indicates that two different regimes are to be expected. Using numerical simulations, we verify the existence of these regimes.