Incompressible flow past bodies of revolution

In this paper we shall attempt to review the existing information, both theoretical and experimental, which relates to same of the more important aerodynamic problems arising in the study of the flaw over bodies of revolution. Many of these problems can only be explained by including an account of the effects of the air viscosity on the flow, but this can more easily be accomplished if we first consider the simpler conditions existing in inviscid, irrotational flow. In common with many other branches of aerodynamics, potential flaw theory provides a basic framework of knowledge, helping to suggest likely effects of viscosity, which we can modify to explain, and predict the behaviour of a real fluid.

Thus the first part of this paper is taken up with a study of the various methods which have from time to time been devised to enable the calculation of the properties of axisymmetric potential flow. Tie shall first concern ourselves with more or less exact, rigorous theories, and afterwards 1.1th the approximate methods. Space does not permit a full discussion of the exact techniques but it is not considered that any single approach possesses advantages above all others to warrant exclusive attentions so a brief review is given of most of those which have been developed. The theory of potential flat about inclined bodies of revolution is next discussed, and leads to an account of the manner in which these results can be used to derive the surface pressure distribution, and the magnitude of the theoretical destabilising moment on a body in a simple translational motion ... [cont.].