On the effects of hybrid surface wettability on the structure of cavitating flow using implicit large eddy simulation

Abstract

BackgroundSupercavitation flow is characterized by the presence of a supercavity, which can be unstable and cause unwanted motion or even loss of control of an object. To address this issue, flow control techniques are often employed. These techniques aim to manipulate the flow of liquid around the object and improve stability and control. Some of these methods include using control surfaces, injecting fluids, or more advanced techniques such as active flow control or smart materials. MethodThe aim of this study is to use computational methods to investigate the behaviour of supercavitation flow over a Clark-Y hydrofoil with different contact angle patterns (hybrid wettability) inspired by the Namib desert beetle. The hybrid wettability consists of six distinct patterns with a 160-degree contact angle for superhydrophobic surfaces and a five-degree contact angle for superhydrophilic surfaces. To predict the dynamic and unsteady behaviours of the supercavitation flow with a cavity number of 0.4, the implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) technique and Kunz mass transfer model are used. The compressive volume of fluid technique is used in conjunction with dynamic adaptive mesh refinement to track the interface between the vapour and liquid phases. The simulations are conducted using the interPhaseChangeFoam two-phase flow solver within the OpenFOAM framework. This study analyses the time-averaged and instantaneous fluid dynamic properties of the supercavitation flow of the hydrofoil with a hybrid surface, including pressure, velocity, vorticity fields, wake flow, recirculation zone, and liquid volume fraction. In addition, it examines the instantaneous cavity leading edge and flow separation, the vortical flow structure, vorticity stretching and dilatation, spanwise flow details, the creation of a low-pressure zone behind the hybrid hydrofoil, streamwise velocity fluctuations, and the cavity dynamics over an entire cycle. FindingsThe results show that the contact angle has a significant effect on the structure of the supercavitation flow. Specifically, the use of a superhydrophobic surface on the pressure side and trailing edge of a hydrofoil, along with a superhydrophilic surface on the leading edge, can reduce the thickness of the wake zone, the length of the cloud cavity, and flow instability. Additionally, this approach can delay the onset of cavitation.