Boundary Element Methods for the Prediction of Sheet and Developed Tip Vortex Cavitation

Recent applications of boundary element methods to predict sheet or developed tip vortex cavitation on lifting bodies, within the framework of nonlinear cavity theory, are summarized. A Dirichlet type of boundary condition is applied on the cavity surface, while a Neumann type of boundary condition is applied on the wetted (non-cavitating) body surface. The shape of the cavity is determined via an iterative technique until both, the constant pressure condition and the flow tangency condition, are satisfied on the cavity surface. 2-D, 3-D hydrofoils, submerged marine propellers in non-uniform inflow, as well as surface-piercing propellers are considered. Some comparisons with experiments are presented, and future challenges are outlined.