The Computation of Thick Axisymmetric Boundary Layers and Wakes around Bodies of Revolution

Abstract

The paper is concerned with the computational investigation of thick, axisymmetric, turbulent boundary layers and wakes around bodies of revolution. The procedures employed take full account of the influence of longitudinal and transverse surface curvatures and normal pressure gradients on the development of the boundary layer and wake, and also the viscous—inviscid interaction in the tail region of the body. The method makes it possible to calculate the static pressure and the velocity profiles along the body as well as the drag components; and it is applicable to both two- and three-dimensional situations, enabling, for example, the prediction of flows around ships' and submarines' hulls to be made. The application of the fully-elliptic calculation procedure to a body of revolution is described, and comparisons made between predictions and experimental measurements. The calculated axial variation of skin friction and pressure coefficient, and the velocity profiles are shown to be in fair agreement with experimental values.