Comparative assessment of hydrodynamic performance of two-dimensional Naca0012 and Naca6612 hydrofoils under different cavitation and non-cavitation conditions

Abstract

Installation of hydrofoil on a vessel results in lift force generation, especially at high speeds, and reduces its resistance. In the current paper, hydrodynamic performance of two NACA hydrofoils is numerically assessed under cavitation and non-cavitation conditions. Simulations are conducted by Ansys-CFX software and RANS equations are solved using k-e turbulence model. The obtained results are compared against available experimental data and good compliance is displayed. Results of simulations indicate that hydrodynamic forces of lift and drag of the hydrofoils vary in different operating conditions. Based on numerical findings, one may conclude that lift and drag forces of two-dimensional Naca6612 hydrofoil are larger than those of Naca0012 hydrofoil. This is true in both cavitation and non-cavitation conditions. Overall, it is also concluded that under these conditions, Naca6612 hydrofoil performs much better than Naca0012 hydrofoil, and lift-to-drag ratio of Naca6612 is larger than that of Naca0012 at all angles of attack.