Experimental investigation of cavitator geometrical parameters effecting on development of ventilated supercavity

In order to explore the mechanism of developing ventilated supercavity and obtain supercavity with easily controlled shape and better drag reduction, the experimental investigation of ventilated supercavity forming by cavitator and ventilation was carried out in a moderate-velocity cavitation tunnel. Forming process of ventilated supercavity was recorded and analyzed. Cavitator diameter and contour parameters act on the critical ventilation coefficient and supercavity size were obtained. The experimental research shows that critical ventilation coefficient becomes smaller with cavitator diameter increasing and critical ventilation coefficient of disk and blunt reverse angle cavitator is smaller than that of coin cavitator with the same diameter. Supercavity size becomes bigger with cavitator diameter increasing under the condition of same ventilation coefficient. The supercavity of blunt reverse angle cavitator is bigger than that one of coin cavitator, and coin cavitator with smaller angle is not easy to form ventilated supercavity. Experimental results of this paper provide important reference for the cavitator design of underwater vehicles.