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Hydrodynamics and Cavitation Phenomena
Within EPFL-Hydros project, experimental studies of the cavitation on foils.
High speed hydrodynamic flow around the foils can generate bubbles of water vapor. Air can also be entrained from the surface along the profile. These phenomena, known as "cavitation" and "ventilation" are very detrimental because they significantly decrease the lift of the foil, compromising the sailboat's stability. The design of the foils and sailing conditions must be chosen carefully to avoid having these kinds of events occur in an uncontrolled manner, which would make sailing dangerous.
Because cavitation is a complex phenomenon, it is very difficult to model. The Laboratory for Hydraulic Machines (LMH) and the Hydroptère Suisse Design Team has conducted complementary experimental research by installing various foil models in a cavitation tunnel. The results of this research allowed the design team to validate the numerical models.
Technologies: Modelisation/fluid dynamics
Sports concerned: Sailing
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