Numerical investigation of cavity dynamics and cavitation-induced vibrations of a flexible hydrofoil

This work investigates the cavitation and fluid–structure interaction characteristics of a flexible NACA0015 hydrofoil. The simulation incorporates the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model and two-way fluid–structure interactions. The detached eddy simulation method is employed to analyze the impact of cavitation and elastic deformation on hydrodynamic performance. The vibrational response and cavitating flow field around the hydrofoil are investigated. The results show that the vibrational mode of the elastic hydrofoil shifts with increasing flow speed. Furthermore, the vertical vibrational displacement of the hydrofoil aligns with the variations in cavitation volume in the flow field. The structural vibrational deformation of an elastic hydrofoil notably affects the evolution of cavitation. Additionally, fluid–structure interaction in the presence of cavitation influences the pattern of vortex shedding wakes in the flow field. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the design of hydrofoils constructed from composite elastic materials.