Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics of Rotor Sail Using a 4DOF Rotor Model and Finite Element Model

Abstract

The interest in wind-assisted ship propulsions (WASPs) is increasing to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ships. A rotor sail, one of the typical WASPs, can provide auxiliary propulsive force by rotating a cylinder-shaped structure based on the Magnus effect. However, due to its huge rotating structure, a meticulous evaluation of the influence on the ship structure and dynamical stability of the rotating structure should be conducted in the design stage. In this respect, an analysis of the rotating structure for a 30 m height and 3 m diameter rotor sail was conducted in this study. First, a 4DOF (four-degree-of-freedom) model was derived to simplify the dynamics of the rotor sail. Using the 4DOF model, natural frequencies for four low-order modes of the rotor sail were calculated, and frequency responses at support points were predicted. Next, a comparison and validation with the finite element model of the rotor sail were carried out. For the 1st and 2nd natural frequencies, a difference of approximately 0.3 Hz was observed between the 4DOF model and the finite element model, confirming the effectiveness of the 4DOF model for low-order modes. In analysis with changes in the bearing supporting stiffnesses, it was verified that lower support bearings have a significant impact on rotor dynamics compared to upper support bearings. Vibration response at the upper support was also confirmed through frequency response analysis caused by imbalance at Thom disk and mid-plate. Additionally, when estimating the eccentricity of the Thom disk as imbalance, a limit of eccentricity error could be set as 24 mm. The presented modeling procedures and analysis results can be references during early design stage of a novel rotor sail structure.