Cavities at atmospheric pressure behind two-dimensional bodies at an angle of attack

Abstract

This paper presents an interior source method for the calculation of semi-infinite cavities behind two-dimensional bluff bodies placed at an angle of attack in a uniform stream. Aspects under consideration include the pressure distribution along the body, especially just ahead of the separation point, lift and drag forces, and how these quantities vary with the angle of attack. We include discussion of the physical conditions of separation, and identify critical angles of attack for which the cavitating flow past an airfoil may (a) become unstable, or (b) yield the greatest lift to drag ratio.