An improved understanding of the aerodynamics of bluff bodies, such as buildings and road vehicles, can lead to significant reductions in wind damage and gasoline consumption and to the increased safety and comfort of human occupants. To achieve this goal, improved theoretical and experimental techniques are urgently needed. This paper explores in a general way the potential of using numerical simulation methods for predicting and interpreting aerodynamic phenomena affecting bluff bodies. As a basis for discussion a prototype finite difference method is described and illustrated with sample calculations of air flow about simple bluff bodies. The limitations of this scheme are then discussed in detail, together with some suggestions for extensions that could be realized in the immediate future. The paper concludes with speculations on what could be achieved in the next five to ten years to produce a generally useful research tool for bluff body aerodynamics.

John Ramshaw was employed at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory at the time of writing.