Authors: Avinash M, Manjunath S.H, Vikram C.K
Abstract: The turbulent flow past square cylinders is a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics because it governs aerodynamic loading, vortex-induced vibration, drag, and heat transfer in engineering systems such as high-rise buildings, bridge piers, offshore structures, heat exchangers, and electronic cooling devices. Despite extensive research, accurately predicting flow separation, wake development, and thermal transport under varying operating conditions remains challenging. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in both experimental and numerical investigations of turbulent flow past square cylinders. Experimental techniques, including Particle Image Velocimetry, Laser Doppler Velocimetry, hot-wire anemometry, pressure measurements, and flow visualization, are assessed alongside Computational Fluid Dynamics approaches based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes, Large Eddy Simulation, Detached Eddy Simulation, Scale-Adaptive Simulation, and Direct Numerical Simulation. The influence of Reynolds number, blockage ratio, corner modifications, thermal boundary conditions, and multiple-cylinder arrangements on wake dynamics and heat transfer is systematically evaluated. The review shows that Large Eddy Simulation provides the most accurate prediction of vortex shedding, wake structures, and aerodynamic forces, whereas Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes models remain computationally efficient for engineering applications. Corner rounding, chamfering, and passive flow-control techniques consistently reduce drag and suppress wake instability while improving thermal performance. Remaining challenges include high-Reynolds-number simulations, coupled thermo-fluid analysis, turbulence model accuracy, and systematic experimental validation. The review identifies current research gaps and highlights future opportunities in advanced turbulence modelling, high-performance computing, and data-driven approaches to support the design of safer, more efficient, and thermally optimized bluff-body engineering systems.
