An Australian capability for submarine control surface performance evaluation

A brief overview of hydrofoil test considerations and some of the capabilities within the Cavitation Research Laboratory at the Australian Maritime College are presented. Hydrofoil testing is fundamental to naval hydrodynamic research in support of control surface testing and assessment for ships and submarines. A case study is presented which considers the effects of water tunnel test section boundary layer thickness, hydrofoil mounting configuration and other parameters on hydrofoil performance. Methods for measurement of the effect of steady and unsteady loads on hydrofoil performance are also demonstrated and the issues of model and force balance compliance are discussed.