Low Reynolds numbers flow past an ellipsoid of revolution of large aspect ratio

Abstract

The results of Proudman & Pearson (1957) and Kaplun & Lagerstrom (1957) for a sphere and a cylinder are generalized to study an ellipsoid of revolution of large aspect ratio with its axis of revolution perpendicular to the uniform flow at infinity. The limiting case, where the Reynolds number based on the minor axis of the ellipsoid is small while the other Reynolds number based on the major axis is fixed, is studied. The following points are deduced: (1) although the body is three-dimensional the expansion is in inverse power of the logarithm of the Reynolds number as the case of a two-dimensional circular cylinder; (2) the existence of the ends and the variation of the diameter along the axis of revolution have no effect on the drag to the first order; (3) a formula for drag is obtained to higher order.