Numerical Analysis of Non-Axisymmetric Supercavitating Flow Around a Three-Dimensional Cavitator with an Angle of Attack

In this study, morphological and hydrodynamic characteristics of the non-axisymmetric supercavity generated behind a disk-shaped cavitator were examined. By extending the previous study on axisymmetric supercavitating flow based on a boundary element method, hydrodynamic forces acting under the angle of attack condition of 0 to 30 °and shape characteristics of the supercavity were analyzed. The results revealed that increasing the angle of attack by 30 °reduced the length and width of the cavity by about 15% and the volume by about 40 %. An empirical formula that can quantitatively estimate the geometrical characteristics and change of the cavity was derived. It is expected that this method can be used to evaluate the shape information and force characteristics of the supercavity for the control of the vehicle in a very short time compared to the viscous analysis in the initial design stage of the supercavity underwater vehicle.