We are working with the U.S. Navy to understand the physical process that result in the inception of this type of cavitation. We are examining vortex-bubble interactions experimentally and numerically using canonical flows. Regions of vapor film can form on the suction side of lifting surfaces when they are operated under high loading or during off-design conditions. Such partial-cavitation can lead to reduction of lift, erosion, noise, and the production of a bubbly wake.
Partial cavities can shed large cavitation clouds that can be very destructive.
We been examining large Reynolds number separated flows in the U. S. Navy s Large Cavitation Channel. We are conducting experiments on a large lifting surface to examine Reynolds number sensitive flow processes at Reynolds numbers up to 107. Both the hydrodynamics and hydroacoustics of the flow are to be studied. We will be gathering data in a Reynolds number regime that has yet to be examined under controlled conditions. These experiments will be yield unique data for numerical code validation, and we will be working with numerical groups throughout the country to insure the completeness of this data set.