Flow Seperation

Flow separation

Separated region

When a fluid separates from a body, it forms a separated region between the body and the fluid stream.

It depends on:

• • Flow speed

  • Reynolds number

Imagine flow over a sharp drop e.g. a waterfall:

• • The faster the flow the further away the water will get from the cliff edge

  • In a pipe sharp drops can create strong circular currents

Wake

The region of flow trailing the body where the effects of the body on velocity are felt.