Bénard-von Kármán instability: transient and forced regimes

Abstract

The wake of a circular cylinder is investigated near the oscillation threshold by means of a laser probe. Above the threshold the transient regime is studied and described by a Stuart-Landau law (already found to be relevant in explaining free-oscillating regimes). Below the critical point, impulse and resonant regimes are examined, so the coefficients of the Stuart-Landau equation are determined. Moreover, in the supercritical regime, the behaviour of the (externally forced) oscillating system is described, varying parameters such as threshold deviation, forcing frequency and amplitude. The different zones of entrainment and desynchronization are given for simple or harmonic frequency.