Abstract
Wall-resolved large-eddy simulations (LES) of flow over a rotating cylinder are described. The two important flow parameters are the Reynolds number Re-D = U-infinity D/nu and the rotation speed alpha = Omega D/(2U(infinity)). We discuss LES data sets obtained by varying alpha at various Re-D with our main results at Re-D = 6 x 10(4). Our emphasis centers on the lift-crisis phenomenon where, at fixed and large Re-D, the lift coefficient C-L decreases suddenly as alpha passes though a narrow, critical band. We show the variation of time/span-wise averaged pressure and skin-friction coefficients around the cylinder surface as alpha is increased. The LES is shown to capture the lift crisis at Re-D = 6 x 10(4). Calculations of C-L are compared with experimental measurements.