The Influence of End Effects on the Flow Resistance Characteristics of Variable Diameter Cylinders

Authors

  • Meng Zhao College of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010080,China
  • Yaning Duan College of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010080,China
  • Xingbo Lan College of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010080,China
  • Zile Jia College of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051 China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14311/

Keywords:

Variable-diameter Cylinders, Aspect Ratio, Flow Field, High Reynolds Number, End-Face Effect

Abstract

Based on the study of the flow around finite-length cylinders, an analysis of the flow resistance characteristics of commonly encountered variable diameter cylinders at high Reynolds numbers was conducted. A comprehensive relationship equation for the flow resistance within the subcritical region, the drag crisis region, and the drag recovery region was obtained. Additionally, the influence of end effects on the flow resistance characteristics of finite-length cylinders and variable diameter cylinders was analyzed using large eddy simulation (LES), and a comprehensive formula describing the range of end effect influence was obtained. The results indicate that the flow resistance coefficients at both ends of the variable diameter cylinder are influenced by the aspect ratio λ, Reynolds number (Re), and included angle θ. As θ and λ increase, the distance affected at the top of the cylinder increases. As Re decreases, the affected distances at the top and bottom increase. The comprehensive formula for the influence range can be used to modify the relationship equation for the drag coefficient. These findings have important implications for the study and application of the flow characteristics of finite-length variable diameter cylinders.

 

Received:                                           29.05.2024

Received in revised form:                16.07.2025

Accepted:                                           06.11.2025

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

The Influence of End Effects on the Flow Resistance Characteristics of Variable Diameter Cylinders. (2025). Stavební Obzor - Civil Engineering Journal, 34(4), 462-478. https://doi.org/10.14311/