Suppressing tip leakage vortex (TLV) cavitation in rotating machinery, such as propellers and turbines, plays a crucial role in reducing hydrodynamic noise, mitigating cavitation erosion, and enhancing operational stability. This study proposes a composite tip structure that integrates squealer rims with jet holes to suppress TLV cavitation in a synergistic manner. Large eddy simulation coupled with the Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model is employed to simulate TLV cavitating flow around the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0009 hydrofoil. The results indicate that the squealer rim enlarges the tip separation vortex while reducing its intensity and inhibiting its migration toward the suction side. Meanwhile, the jet holes induce a reverse jet driven by the pressure difference between the pressure side and the tip region, significantly reducing both the streamwise and vertical velocities of the leakage flow and altering TLV evolution. At an angle of attack of 10°, the composite tip structure reduces the time-averaged tip cavity volume by 11.1%, 38.2%, and 63.7% for tip clearance widths of τ = 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0, respectively. The lift-to-drag ratio increases by 1.43% under τ = 0.2, with minor reductions observed at larger clearance widths. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the composite tip structure in suppressing TLV cavitation is evaluated across various angels of attack.
Zhang et al. (2026) studied this question.