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Wake dynamics and force responses of isolated and tandem rotating spheres at moderate Reynolds numbers

Suresh Behara*,†

  • Department of Mechanical Engineering Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Tekkali, AP, 532201, India

  • *Contact author: Suresh.Behara@gmail.com
  • †Present address: ESS India LLP, Hoodi Circle, Bangalore 560048, India.
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 074101 – Published 21 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/5nws-mpcc

Abstract

This study investigates the wake dynamics and force responses of transversely rotating spheres in isolated and tandem configurations at moderate Reynolds numbers (Re=100, 300, 1000). Using direct numerical simulations of transitional and weakly turbulent flow, we explore how rotation rate (α=0–5) and interbody spacing (Lx=2D, 5D; D is sphere diameter) influence wake topology, vortex shedding, and fluid forces. At lower Re, rotation suppresses unsteadiness, inducing double-threaded vortical structures, whereas at higher Re, centrifugal effects destabilize shear layers, generating multiscale vortices and weakly turbulent wakes. In tandem configurations, wake-body interactions promote instabilities even when rotation stabilizes the isolated sphere wake. The force coefficients exhibit a nonmonotonic dependence on α due to competing effects of Magnus-induced pressure asymmetry, shear layer separation, and wake unsteadiness.

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 074101– Published 21 July, 2026
  • Received 5 January 2026
  • Accepted 7 July 2026
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