Two-dimensional fluid flow past a circular obstacle has been simulated at the microscopic level by means of a molecular-dynamics approach. At sufficiently large Reynolds number the flow field is observed to exhibit characteristics common to real fluids, namely the appearance of eddies, periodic eddy separation, and an oscillatory wake. Very large systems—typically 160 000 particles—are required in order to provide adequate space for these flow patterns to develop.

• Received 28 May 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.57.695