By incorporating leading-edge protuberances inspired by humpback whale flippers, this study enhances hydrodynamic performance, mitigates cavitation effects, and develops efficient models to minimize noise emissions in aquatic systems. Experimental and numerical simulations are conducted on four semi-elliptical NACA 16020 3D hydrofoils with sinusoidal LE alterations. These alterations encompass amplitudes of 2%, wavelengths of 8.33% and 4.17% of the mean chord length, and wavenumbers. Experimental analysis encompassing both cavitational and non-cavitational regimes at varying attack angles revealed significant relationships between the hydrodynamic performance and partial sheet cavitation.

This study presents a thorough comparative analysis of non-cavitating and cavitating flows around a two-dimensional National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics airfoil (NACA) 0012 hydrofoil, focusing on flow behavior at different cavitation numbers while maintaining a constant Reynolds number. The Reynolds number ranges from 5.8 105 to 7.2 105, with cavitation numbers (r) ranging from 4.2 to 3.1 under cavitating conditions and 8.4 to 6.6 under non-cavitating conditions. The results indicated that cavitation substantially influences flow structures, forming re-entrant jets, intensifying shear zones, and increasing vortex shedding. It contributes to a more profound understanding of cavitation phenomena and their implications for design and performance optimization in marine and industrial applications. 

In this study, we numerically investigated the effects of sweep angle variations ( 0°, 30°, 60°)of the control fin in supercavitating flow. Simulations were conducted using an unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) approach coupled with the k–e turbulence model. The influence of steep angles on the supercavity geometry, hydrodynamic forces, and internal supercavitating flow was analyzed. Under fixed flow conditions, larger sweep angles resulted in smaller supercavity separations. The sweep angle significantly affected the fins’ hydrodynamic characteristics. Swept fins experienced reduced drag forces, with a maximum reduction of 48% observed at a sweep angle of 60°.