Simulation of vortex shedding including blockage by the random-vortex and other methods

Converged simulations of vortex shedding from a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 have been computed by the random-vortex method incorporating the influence of blockage. The results are compared with converged finite-element and spectral methods and close agreement for Strouhal number is obtained. Forces are, however, in less close agreement, particularly the fluctuating lift force. Strouhal numbers from simulations with zero blockage for Reynolds numbers between 60 and 180 are seen to be in very close agreement with experiments which are said to be effectively two-dimensional. In this range the Strouhal number changes from 0·135 to 0·191. There are no corresponding experimental measurements for force.