Experimental Observations on the Flow Past a Plano-Convex Hydrofoil

Abstract

Some new measurements and observations on the noncavitating and cavitating flow past a plano-convex hydrofoil are presented. Under some conditions of partial cavitation, strong, periodic oscillations both in the cavity length and forces exerted on the hydrofoil are observed. The reduced frequency of oscillation depends upon the cavitation number and angle of attack; it also depends somewhat on tunnel speed for the lower angles of attack but becomes substantially independent of speed for the highest angle. The peak-to-peak magnitude of the force oscillation can amount to about 20 percent of the average force.