HYDROFOIL THEORY FOR VERTICAL WATER ENTRY

A theory is presented for the hydrodynamics associated with slender two-dimensional bodies penetrating a fluid surface. Within the framework of a small disturbance approximation closed form solutions are obtained for fully-wetted entries in the high- and low-speed limiting cases. General expressions are obtained for the lift, moment and free-surface motion as functions of the hydrofoil geometry and are applied to a flat plate and parabolic camberline. An analytical model is established for a fully-ventilated entry at high speeds. The first order influence of gravity on cavity collapse is identified by a similarity parameter. The experimental investigation of a thin wedge at several incidence angles and speeds is described and the results of a photographic study are presented. The observed free boundary motion and splash patterns agree well with the theoretical predictions.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
    Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
  • Authors:
    • Cox, B D
  • Publication Date: 1971-5

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00034681
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 29 1973 12:00AM