Application of a Discrete Vortex, Source Distribution Model to Propeller Cavitation

A linearized theory for the calculation of cavitation on a propeller in homogeneous flow is presented. The method enables a direct solution of the equations describing sheet cavitation on a propeller blade to be obtained without resorting to intermediate solutions of the fully wetted case. Good agreement is found between the computed extent of cavitation and the extent found in model experiments. The method shows a substantial improvement compared with other prediction methods where the determination of the cavity extent is based on the pressure distribution for the noncavitating case. Also shown is a comparison between computed and measured cavity shapes.