• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.361-372
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• 2019

The flow pattern of air layers and skin-friction drag reduction by air injection are investigated to find the suitable multiphase flow model using unstructured finite-volume CFD solver for the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. In the present computations, two different multiphase flow modeling approaches, such as the Volume of Fluid (VOF) and the Eulerian Multi-Phase (EMP), are adopted to investigate their performances in resolving the two-phase flow pattern and in estimating the frictional drag reduction. First of all, the formation pattern of air layers generated by air injection through a circular opening on the bottom of a flat plate are investigated. These results are then compared with those of MMkiharju's experimental results. Subsequently, the quantitative ratios of skin-friction drag reduction including the behavior of air layers, within turbulent boundary layers in large scale and at high Reynolds number conditions, are investigated under the same conditions as the model test that has been conducted in the US Navy's William B. Morgan Large Cavitation Channel (LCC). From these results, it is found that both VOF and EMP models have similar capability and accuracy in capturing the topology of ventilated air cavities so called'air pockets and branches'. However, EMP model is more favorable in predicting quantitatively the percentage of frictional drag reduction by air injection.