Numerical study on characteristics of supercavitating flow around the variable-lateral-force cavitator

A control scheme named the variable-lateral-force cavitator, which is focused on the control of lift force, drag force and lateral forces for underwater supercavity vehicles was proposed, and the supercavitating flow around the cavitator was investigated numerically using the mixture multiphase flow model. It is verified that the forces of pitching, yawing, drag and lift, as well as the supercavity size of the underwater vehicle can be effectively regulated through the movements of the control element of the variable-lateral-force cavitator in the radial and circumferential directions. In addition, if the control element on either side protrudes to a height of 5% of the diameter of the front cavitator, an amount of forces of pitching and yawing equivalent to 30% of the drag force will be produced, and the supercavity section appears concave inwards simultaneously. It is also found that both the drag force and lift force of the variable-lateral-force cavitator decline as the angle of attack increases.