A study of flow properties near critical points in the near wake of a circular cylinder

By applying the phase-plane technique to velocity data in the near-wake of a circular cylinder, three types of critical points are identified. Foci and saddle points occur most frequently, but a significant number of nodes is also found. Flow topology and properties associated with these points are examined in some detail. While foci and saddle points are associated with maxima of local vorticity and strain rate respectively, nodes are associated with a strong local divergence, indicating significant local three-dimensionality. The relative probability of time delay between critical points is also discussed.