A fully nonlinear iterative solution method for self-similar potential flows with a free boundary

Abstract: An iterative solution method for fully nonlinear boundary value problems governing self-similar flows with a free boundary is presented. Specifically, the method is developed for application to water entry problems, which can be studied under the assumptions of an ideal and incompressible fluid with negligible gravity and surface tension effects. The approach is based on a pseudo time stepping procedure, which uses a boundary integral equation method for the solution of the Laplace problem governing the velocity potential at each iteration. In order to demonstrate the flexibility and the capabilities of the approach, several applications are presented: the classical wedge entry problem, which is also used for a validation of the approach, the block sliding along an inclined sea bed, the vertical water entry of a flat plate and the ditching of an inclined plate. The solution procedure is also applied to cases in which the body surface is either porous or perforated. Comparisons with numerical or experimental data available in literature are presented for the purpose of validation.