Stagnation points in flows about solid bodies

A possible first step in determining the flow about a steadily advancing sh ip is to consider the ship plus its mirror image in the undisturbed free su rface. If the ship has a bulbous bow, the question may be asked whether a s tagnation point can be expected not only at the intersection of the stem an d the undisturbed surface, but also at some point on the stern near the bul b. In analogous two-dimensional situations the latter could not happen. Tha t it can happen in three dimensions is shown here by the example of two dip oles situated perpendicularly to an oncoming flow. Both two- and three dime nsional versions are considered, The conditions under which these stagnatio n points can occur in three dimensions are determined and the reason why th is does not happen in two dimensions is explained.