A linearized theory for rotational supercavitating flow

Abstract

In this paper methods are given for establishing qualitative and quantitative measures of the effects of rotation in supercavitating flows past slender bodies. A linearized theory is developed for steady, two-dimensional flow under the assumption that the flow has a constant rotation throughout. The stream function of the rotational flow satisfies Poisson's equation. By using a particular solution of this equation, the rotational problem is reduced to a problem involving Laplace's equation and harmonic perturbation velocities. The resulting boundary-value problem is solved by use of conformal mapping and singularities from thinairfoil theory. The theory is then applied to asymmetric shear flow past wedges and hydrofoils and to symmetric shear flow past wedges. The presence of rotation is shown to create significant changes in the forces acting on the slender bodies and in the shape and size of the trailing cavities.