Oblique water entry of an inclined finite plate with gravity effect

Abstract

The hydrodynamic problem of an inclined finite plate entering into water obliquely is investigated through the velocity potential flow theory in the time domain, together with the fully nonlinear boundary conditions on the deforming free surface. A boundary element method is adopted. A stretched coordinate system method is used for the varying computational domain, which starts from a single point at the lower edge of the plate. The whole process of the flow attached on the plate and flow detached from its upper edge is considered, which may involve self-similar flow, transient flow, and steady flow. The gravity effect is also considered. Studies are further conducted for oblique water entry and varying speed entry. Extensive results are provided. Their physical implications and potential applications are discussed.