Examination of the Flow Separation Characteristics Around a Streamlined Axisymmetric Shape

Abstract

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a study was conducted to predict the hydrodynamic forces and moments on an axisymmetric body over a range of yaw angles and Reynolds numbers. Computational results for hydrodynamic forces and moments show good agreement with experimental data, being within the experimental uncertainty range at most yaw angles. Deviations outside of the uncertainty range occurred for the lateral (Y) force values at yaw angles greater than 15 degrees. The development of the after-body vortex shows good agreement with experimental observation. Primary and secondary separation points and shear stress streamline behaviour are also compared with experiment data at a yaw angle of 24 degrees. Results are discussed with a view to identifying flow features critical to the development of new force estimation methods. The after-body vortex, at increasing yaw angles, influences the overall force and moment predictions through a complex interaction between the transport of after-body vorticity and the detachment/reattachment locations of the boundary layer. Adequate modeling of this after-body region is increasingly important at high yaw angles. One of the most important features that influences the overall forces and moments is the circumferential position of shear layer detachment and reattachment, which have a direct impact on the pressure distribution along the body.