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Investigations on Cavitating Hydrofoils

Citation

Wade, Richard Bernard (1965) Investigations on Cavitating Hydrofoils. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/8YEC-DS05. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01222004-112658

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical results are presented for the non-cavitating and cavitating performances of a plano-convex hydrofoil in both the isolated and cascade configurations. In the isolated hydrofoil tests special emphasis is placed on the unsteady region of cavitation separating the partially cavitating region from the fully cavitating region. The detailed behavior of the oscillating cavity together with the magnitude of the force vibrations that occur in this region are investigated from both a qualitative and a quantitative viewpoint. The dependence of the reduced frequency of these oscillations on the angle of attack, cavitation number and flow velocity is also discussed. The performance of the hydrofoil under steady conditions in both the cavitating and non-cavitating regions is also presented. Details of the test equipment and procedures used and various data corrections made are given. A linearized partially cavitating theory for this plano-convex hydrofoil is also developed which includes camber and thickness effects. The results from this theory are compared with the experimental data obtained. In the cascade experiments a feasibility study is undertaken to determine the possibility of using the high speed water tunnel at the California Institute of Technology as a cascade tunnel for investigating the cavitating performance of compressor and turbine cascades. A comprehensive design study is given of the modifications made to the existing tunnel to achieve this aim. The experimental procedures used in conducting the experiments are then discussed. Tests are performed on two compressor cascades of plano-convex hydrofoils having solidities of 1.25 and 0.625 and cascade angle of 45 degrees, for all conditions of cavitation from the fully wetted to the fully choked conditions. A study is also made of a turbine cascade of solidity 1.25 for the same cascade angle in the non-cavitating region only. Comparisons of the experimental data with several theories indicate that the cascade tests are indeed fulfilling their purpose in proving the methods used in simulating cascade conditions in the tunnel. Proposals for modifying the system used to avoid several experimental difficulties are presented. Finally, a linearized theory for a cascade of partially cavitating flat plate hydrofoils is developed which is compared with the data obtained.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Mechanical Engineering)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Mechanical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Acosta, Allan J.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:27 April 1965
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-01222004-112658
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01222004-112658
DOI:10.7907/8YEC-DS05
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:269
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:28 Jan 2004
Last Modified:09 Feb 2024 23:51

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