Post-interference wake characteristics of two perpendicular plates in wall proximity

Journal article, 2025

This study addresses the pressing need to understand the aerodynamic behavior of vertical plates positioned near a wall, as such configurations are pivotal in engineering applications like aerodynamic braking. By examining single-plate, tandem, side-by-side, and staggered arrangements, this research aims to uncover how specific geometric parameters—mounting gap, lateral spacing, and longitudinal spacing—affect aerodynamic drag and wake flow dynamics. Using delayed detached eddy simulation, the findings reveal that increasing the mounting gap in single-plate setups mitigates wake fluctuations but heightens windward pressure drag. For tandem plates, the drag on the upstream plate remains relatively constant with varying separation ratios, while the downstream plate experiences reduced drag but heightened fluctuations due to wake interference. Side-by-side arrangements exhibit bi-stable wake dynamics at small slit ratios, causing asymmetric drag and wake patterns; larger slit ratios restore wake symmetry but intensify turbulence. Staggered configurations reduce per-plate drag compared to side-by-side arrangements, but their shorter recirculation lengths allow for denser plate rows to enhance overall aerodynamic drag. These insights advance the design and optimization of vertical plate systems for aerodynamic braking applications.