Measurement and modeling of propeller cavitation in uniform inflow

An experimental and theoretical investigation on a cavitating propeller in uniform inflow is presented. Flow field investigations by advanced imaging techniques are used to extract quantitative information on the cavity extension. A refined map of the propeller cavitating behavior is established. Measurements are compared to numerical results obtained using an inviscid flow boundary element method for the analysis of blade partial sheet cavitation and supercavitation. The effect of the trailing wake vorticity on the prediction of the cavitation pattern is analyzed via a wake alignment technique.