A three-dimensional panel method for the simulation of sheet cavitation in marine propeller flows

This paper presents a three‐dimensional panel method based on potential flow theory for the modelling and simulation of sheet cavitation in marine propeller flows. Sheet cavitation is a physical effect where the pressure in the flow falls below the vapour pressure such that a vapour sheet occurs on propeller blades. Sheet cavitation can influence the flow characteristics on propeller blades significantly and can lead to a decrease of propeller thrust as well as noise and vibrations on the ship hull