Vibrissa-shaped cylinder as passive noise control

The following research project aims to investigate the aeroacoustic properties of a vibrissa-shaped cylinder. This bio-inspired geometry is modeled after the whiskers of harbour seals. Initial researches on the properties of these whiskers have revealed their adaptive ability to suppress the vortex shedding. Vortex shedding is a fluid dynamic phenomenon associated with a bluff body, such as a circular cylinder, in cross-flow. The formation of vortex shedding generates aerodynamic noise, which is the primary focus of the following study. Specifically, the aerodynamic noise produced by both geometries is evaluated and compared to validate findings from literature regarding the vibrissa-shaped cylinder's capability to reduce noise levels compared to a circular cylinder. Numerical investigations delve into the reasons for this reduction, with a particular emphasis on the distinct wake pattern of the vibrissa-shaped cylinder in the absence of vortex shedding.