Abstract
The effect of a small surface-tension coefficient on the classical theory of free-streamline separation from a sharp trailing edge is studied. The classical solution fails in a small region surrounding the edge, where it predicts singular behaviour, and an inner solution, satisfying linear boundary conditions, is required to obtain a uniformly valid first approximation. The solution valid near the edge removes the curvature and pressure-gradient singularities of the classical solution and predicts a standing capillary wave along the free streamline.