A Model for the Coupled Lift and Drag on a Circular Cylinder

The time-varying coupled lift and drag coefficients acting on a circular cylinder are modeled. Data used for the model are obtained by numerically solving the unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes equations over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Using spectral moments, we determine the frequency components in the lift and drag coefficients and their phase relations. Using a perturbation technique, we obtain approximate solutions of both the van der Pol and Rayleigh equations. By fitting the amplitude and phase relations, we find that the van der Pol equation is the suitable model for the lift. The Rayleigh equation fails to give the correct phase relation. Because the major frequency in the drag component is twice that of the lift, the drag component is modeled as a quadratic function of the lift. Through analysis with higher-order spectral moments, the correct quadratic relation of the lift that yields the drag is determined. The model and results presented here are a first step in the development of a reduced-order model for vortex-induced vibrations, which includes the motions of the cylinder.