Modeling of Cavitating Flow through Waterjet Propulsors

Figure 8

Computational results, breakdown at nominal flow rate, 𝑄^∗=0.825. Experimental results, flow at roughly constant 𝑄^∗=0.825 for 𝑁^∗>1.1 but flow rate decreases at lower values of 𝑁^∗. Illustrations from CFD results at each of four points, (a) (𝑁^∗=1.1149) (b) (𝑁^∗=1.0699) (c) (𝑁^∗=1.0392) (d) (𝑁^∗=1.0497), prior to and after breakdown. Isosurface of vapor volume fraction equal to 0.5 illustrates extent of cavitation along the suction surface of the rotor blade at each of the four conditions.