Numerical Analysis of High-Speed Bodies in Partially Cavitating Axisymmetric Flow

Partial cavitation of high-speed axisymmetric bodies is modeled using a steady potential-flow boundary-element technique. The effects of several key parameters defining the vehicle geometry are examined for configurations consisting of a disk cavitator followed by a conical section and ending in a cylindrical body. A single cavity is assumed to detach at the edge of the disk. A variety of conditions have been studied, including cavity closure on either the conical or cylindrical portions of the vehicle, variations in the cone angle, and variations in the radius of the cylindrical section. The results for the partially cavitating case are also compared with those for the supercavitating case.