A Comparative Assessment of Various Cavitator Shapes for High-speed Supercavitating Torpedoes: Geometry, Flow-physics and Drag Considerations

Modern underwater warfare necessitates the development of high-speed supercavitating torpedoes. Achieving supercavitation involves integrating a cavitator at the torpedo's front, making cavitator design a critical research area. The present study simulated supercavity formation by cavitators of various shapes attached to a heavyweight torpedo. The study involves simulations of thirteen cavitator designs with various geometrical configurations at different cavitation numbers. The simulations employ the VOF multiphase model along with the Schnerr and Sauer cavitation model to analyze supercavitation hydrodynamics. The study examines the supercavity geometry and drag characteristics for individual cavitator designs. The results reveal a significant reduction in skin friction drag by a majority of cavitators. Notably, a disc cavitator at a cavitation number of 0.09 demonstrates a remarkable 92% reduction in the coefficient of skin friction drag. However, the overall drag reduces when incorporating a cavitator, but it introduces additional pressure drag. The study found that the cavitators generating larger supercavities also yield higher pressure drag. Therefore, the supercavity should just envelop the entire torpedo, as excessively small supercavities amplify skin friction drag, while overly large ones elevate pressure drag. Ultimately, the study concludes that selecting the ideal cavitator entails a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as supercavity and torpedo geometry, reductions in skin friction drag and increments in pressure drag.