Drag reduction by strakes of noncircular cylinders

An experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of strakes on the crossflow drag coefficient of a typical noncircular cylinder at subcritical Reynolds numbers. The strake height and, more particularly, its location on the windward face, has a strong influence on the flow pattern, base pressure, and drag coefficient. Substantial drag reductions of the order of 80% are found to be possible by this technique. © 1988 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., All rights reserved.