A Note on the Bernoulli Equation for Propeller Flows: The Effective Pressure

Abstract

Steady or unsteady, wetted or cavitating, propeller flows are often treated via inviscid models, at given effective inflow (which accounts for the interaction of the vorticity in the inflow with the propeller). Once the velocity flow field is determined, the pressure distribution on the blades must be determined in order to evaluate forces and sheet cavity patterns. This note revisits the application of the Bernoulli equation to propeller flows. It is found that the concept of effective pressure, that is, a pressure that is different from that in the absence of the propeller, must also be introduced in some cases.