Abstract
The cavitation minimization of the waterjet inlet is an important matter in designing the inlet configuration for high speed SES (Surface Effect Ship). For this purpose it is necessary to know the pressures on the inlet surface. However it takes much effort to calculate the pressure distribution in 3-D flow even when it is inviscid. On the other hand, the 2-D potential flow calculation is expected to be an useful design tool.
From the point of view, the author surveys and finds the optimum inlet configuration in cavitation minimization by calculating the 2-D potential flows of many kinds of flush type inlet configuration. In order to examine the performance of this optimum inlet, a model test of the inlet is carried out in the wind tunnel and the pressures are measured. The result shows that the inlet has the possibility of high performance in cavitation avoidance.
