Method for Predicting Flow and Performance Characteristics of a Body Using Critical Point Location

A method is provided for calculating flow performance characteristics of a body immersed in a fluid under a set of fluid flow conditions. The method comprises providing a geometrical description of a surface of the body and determining the set of fluid flow conditions. The set of fluid flow conditions includes a combination selected from the combination set consisting of angle of attack and leading edge stagnation point location, angle of attack and flow separation point location, and leading edge stagnation point location and flow separation point location. The method further comprises calculating a velocity flow field for the body using a critical point potential flow methodology and calculating flow performance characteristics.