Low Froude Number Flow Past Three-Dimensional Obstacles. Part II: Upwind Flow Reversal Zone

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Abstract
The present paper contains a continuation of our study of the flow of a density-stratified fluid past three-dimensional obstacles for Froude number ∼O(1). Linear theory (large Froude number) and potential-flow-type theory (small Froude number) are both invalid in this range, which is of particular relevance to natural, atmospheric flows past large mesoscale mountains. The present study was conceived to provide a systematic investigation of the basic aspects of this flow. Thus, we have excluded the effects of friction, rotation, nonuniform ambient flow, and the complexity of realistic terrain. In Part I of this study we focused on the pair of vertically oriented vortices forming on the lee side when the Froude number decreases below 0.5 (approximately), and argued that their formation may be understood in terms of nonlinear aspects of inviscid gravity waves, i.e., without invoking traditional arguments on the separation of the friction boundary layer. Herein we examine the zone of flow reversal on... Abstract The present paper contains a continuation of our study of the flow of a density-stratified fluid past three-dimensional obstacles for Froude number ∼O(1). Linear theory (large Froude number) and potential-flow-type theory (small Froude number) are both invalid in this range, which is of particular relevance to natural, atmospheric flows past large mesoscale mountains. The present study was conceived to provide a systematic investigation of the basic aspects of this flow. Thus, we have excluded the effects of friction, rotation, nonuniform ambient flow, and the complexity of realistic terrain. In Part I of this study we focused on the pair of vertically oriented vortices forming on the lee side when the Froude number decreases below 0.5 (approximately), and argued that their formation may be understood in terms of nonlinear aspects of inviscid gravity waves, i.e., without invoking traditional arguments on the separation of the friction boundary layer. Herein we examine the zone of flow reversal on...

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