In two-dimensional flow, the point of flow separation from the surface coincides
with the point at which the skin friction vanishes. However, in three-dimensional
flow, the situation is much more complex and the flow separation is rarely associated
with the vanishing of the wall shear stress except in a few special cases.
Though the effects of cross-plane separation are substantial and have been recognized
for some time, the phenomenon of flow separation over three-dimensional
bodies is still far from being completely understood. The flow is so complex that
no completely satisfactory analytical tools are available at the moment. In an
attempt to logically identify the various effects and parametric dependence while
simultaneously minimizing configuration dependent issue, the flow over a 6 to 1
prolate spheroid, which is a generic three-dimensional body, is investigated.
For the identification of the general flow pattern and better understanding of
the flow field, surface-oil-flow visualization tests and force and moment tests were
performed. The angle of attack effect and Reynolds number effect on the separation location are studied with natural transition. Forces and moments tests, surface
pressure distribution measurements as well as the surface presure fluctuations, and
mini-tuft flow visualization tests were made to document the flow characteristics
on the surface of the body with an artificial boundary layer trip.
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