Base-Vented Performance Simulation for Supercavitating Hydrofoils with Pseudo-Kirchhoff Noses Operating within the Subcavitating Region

Abstract

In order to clarify supercavitating hydrofoil performance numerically, especially in the base-vented state at a low incidence, we attempt to perform numerical simulations for three typical thin supercavitating hydrofoils with pseudo-Kirchhoff noses by means of the QUICK method. The precise water-tunnel tests on the supercavitating steady lift- and drag-performance for the foils are examined after the marked effects of leading edge and the peculiar behavior of disc drag have been clarified. The analyses agree well with the experiments, especially in the base-vented flow at low incidences, showing several interesting facts.