Numerical study on the influence of cavitator cone angle on the drag and ballistic of supercavitating projectile

DOI:	10.11809/bqzbgcxb2023.12.008
Keywords:	supercavitating projectile; drag reduction; cavitators; tail slap; ballistic characteristics
Abstract:	Using the finite volume method and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) multiphase flow model, a three dimensional simulation model is created to examine the impact of the cavitator cone angle on the drag reduction effect and motion stability of supercavitating projectiles. The dynamic mesh approach is used in the model to replicate free tail slapping motion. According to the principle that the projectile’s tail cavity should always be the same size, six different types of supercavitating projectiles with cavitator cone angles ranging from 60 to 160 are developed. Their effects on drag reduction, tail flap motion characteristics, and ballistic characteristics are compared and analyzed. The findings demonstrate that when the cone angle increases, the cavitator’s resistance first rises and then falls, peaking at about 140; The projectile remains stable with a “one sided tail slap” and a significant trajectory offset when the cavitator’s cone angle is between 60 and 100; The projectile is stable with “double tail slap” and the trajectory offset is minor when the cone angle of the cavitator is between 120 and 160. The projectile with the 120 cone angle has the greatest effective range.
Issue:	Vol. 44 No. 12 (2023)
Published:	2023-12-28
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