Experimental validation of two- and three-dimensional numerical analysis of partially cavitating hydrofoils

This paper presents an original panel method to treat partially cavitating two- and three-dimensional hydrofoil problems. The method uses a velocity-based boundary element method (VBEM) but its originality lies in the deformation process. Indeed, the cavitation number is imposed, and the cavity shape is calculated in the course of iterations (free cavity length method). In fact, considering the boundary layers, a normal velocity is observed on the cavity surface which supplies the new stream-surface shape. For any imposed closure condition, the cavity shape (thickness and length) is adapted in such a way that it closes on the hydrofoil. The use of parabolic dipoles, constant source (panel method minimization process) allows a good description of the pressure field. The two- and three-dimensional results obtained are compared with experimental measurements and also with the results of earlier former methods.