A mathematical model of the hydrodynamics of free closed surfaces in a fluid is expounded. It is used for studying the dynamics of ellipsoidal cavities during their development. The model is based on a system of differential equations that accounts for the influence exerted on the dynamics of cavities by various perturbations such as gravity, surface tension, viscosity, and geometrical features of the cavity. Solving this system makes it possible to determine the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flow around the cavity and to plot cavity shapes depending on time and flow regimes. Characteristic features of the development of such cavities under gravity and surface tension are established Introduction. The behavior of cavities in fluid is known to depend on its properties and the cavitation conditions. Among the conditions strongly affecting the behavior of cavities are primarily gravity (which gives rise to the buoyancy force), surface tension, and viscosity. If the influence of these factors was insignificant, then we could design a mathematical model that would make it possible to determine all the basic dynamic characteristics of the cavity and its shape depending on flow regime and time. In reality, however, this can be done only within the framework of a linear or linearized theory and the superposition principle; therefore, the greater the effect of these forces, the less reliable the results. When these forces are strong, the mathematical model of the process is rather involved and not easy to implement, and the cavity no longer has well-defined boundaries. Therefore, even if a linearized model may not be used for a flow highly disturbed by these forces, it can still be applicable to a moderately disturbed flow.The behavior of a spherical cavity is well understood. There are a number of mathematical models [3, 11-13, etc.] that account, to some extent, for the forces mentioned above. The mathematical model of such a cavity includes nothing but the density of the fluid and the difference of the pressures inside and outside (far from) the cavity. If, however, the cavity is not spherical, then its dynamic analysis involves considerable difficulties [6,8]. This is why the search is still under way for simpler mathematical models that are capable of describing the deformation of nonspherical cavities with adequate accuracy and simplicity [2,5,7]. One is a linearized model used in acoustics [9], particle dynamics [10], surface impact theory [12], and other problems. A version of the linearized theory, which was repeatedly used and tested against hydrodynamic problems for flows with free boundaries, was proposed in [1]. It is based on using a system of differential equations for the deformation modes of the cavity and determining the initial perturbations of the cavity shape.1. Problem Formulation. Mathematical Model. First, note that the model is based on the hydrodynamics of thin axisymmetric bodies and spherical cavities in a perfect fluid. Let a free closed surface at time zero be a nonspherical surface of ...