Measurements of the Leading-Edge Separation Bubble for Sharp-Edged Hydrofoil Profiles

Abstract

Measurements were made of the length of the leading edge separation bubble for sharp-edged profiles of finite span submerged below a free surface. These hydrofoils were tested under a fully-wetted flow condition. Flow visualization techniques were used to determine the separation region primarily as a function of velocity, chord length, profile shape, aspect ratio, and angle of attack. The bubble length increased with increasing angle of attack and aspect ratio. An increase in the wedge angle for wedged shaped profiles required an increase in angle of attack to attain the same bubble length. Variation of the chord length and leading-edge thickness had little effect on the ratio of bubble to chord length.