Numerical investigation of fluid-structure interaction of a detached flexible plate behind a circular cylinder

Fluid-structural interaction is one of the most challenging phenomena observed in the surrounding environment, which can play a major role in increasing heat transfer, reducing drag and lift coefficients, energy dissipation, and reducing pressure drop. By inspiration from similar phenomena in nature, the dynamic behavior of flexible structures that interact with fluid is recognized as a novel application in industrial processes such as marine equipment, heat exchangers, and fluid transports. So, this phenomenon should be considered as a way to increase efficiency, eliminate defects, and prevent possible damage in industrial issues on a smaller scale. In this study, the effect of a detached flexible plate, which is placed at a specific distance from a circular cylinder, on aerodynamic and thermal parameters is investigated. This study is simulated by the finite volume method and the finite element method, simultaneously, and also kw-SST model is considered as the turbulent flow model. The fin is placed at different distances of 0.5D, 1D, and 1.5D in upstream and downstream of the circular cylinder, where D is the diameter of the cylinder. The results show that placing the fin at a distance 1D from cylinder downstream increases the Nusselt up to 5%. Moreover, the maximum reduction of the drag coefficient is obtained in this situation.