Actuation of the flow field around a frontstep with a rounded leading edge

Paper in proceeding, 2015

Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are conducted to study the actuated flow field around a bluff body. The model is a simplification of a section of a truck cabin. The aim is to model the separation of the flow acting at the front part, the so called A-pillar. LES data show the connection between orientation and frequency of the actuation in comparison with drag reduction and separation mechanism. The flow is post processed using modal and frequency decompositions. Relevant results in terms of drag coefficient reduction were observed for the actuated flow. An optimal actuation in terms of induced frequency and drag reduction is also found.