Question

The amount of lift generated in the non-rotating flow over a circular cylinder is

• A. infinity
• B. cannot be predicted
• C. zero
• D. one unit

Hint:

Lift is generated on a rotating cylinder due to Magnus effect, not in stationary flow.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The amount of lift generated by the non-rotating flow over a circular cylinder is zero. This phenomenon can be explained using the principles of fluid dynamics, particularly the Kutta-Joukowski theorem. In a potential (inviscid) flow over a circular cylinder, there is a symmetrical pressure distribution around the cylinder. This symmetry means that the lift, which is the force perpendicular to the flow direction, results in zero lift. Since there is no circulation around the cylinder in non-rotating flow, the lift coefficient remains zero as well. Thus, for a non-rotating cylinder with inviscid flow, no lift is produced.