Unsteady viscous flow over prolate spheroids

In this paper, the semi-analytical series truncation method is used to solve the full Navier-Stokes equations for the impulsively started flow over a prolate spheroid. The equations are written in terms of the stream function and vorticity which are expanded in terms of series of Legendre functions. The resulting time-dependent differential equations are solved numerically. Results are presented in the form of streamline and equi-vorticity patterns as well as pressure and surface vorticity distributions. The time development of the drag coefficient is also presented.