Experiments on cylinder wake stabilization in an electrolyte solution by means of electromagnetic forces localized on the cylinder surface

Electromagnetic body forces, i.e. Lorentz forces, have been used to modify the boundary layer around a circular cylinder in cross flow. Depending on the polarity of the applied electric field different effects on the flow can be obtained. Lorentz forces directed with the mean flow are able to prevent the boundary layer from separation. Therefore flow separation as well as the von Karman vortex trail can be suppressed. When the momentum gain produced by the Lorentz forces in the boundary layer is high enough, thrust is produced, what results in a jet flow originated from the cylinders back side. If the Lorentz forces are directed opposite to the mean flow, the separation points are shifted towards the front stagnation point, the recirculation region broadens and the von Karman vortex trail is modified. The described technique gives a variety of opportunities to control the flow around the cylinder and the flow structure of the cylinder wake. Results from flow visualizations and numerical calculations are presented.