Autonomous modification and optimization method for rim-driven system in surface ships

Abstract

This paper proposes the modification of the propulsion system of the surface ship ONRT and the optimization strategy for the stern propulsion system of the modified ship. Specifically, this paper proposes a blade design scheme of a semi-elliptical projection profile with zero skew, zero rake, and equal pitch. An in-house code for autonomous three-dimensional reconstruction is employed to recreate the thruster. Next, a presentation of the ship's propeller optimization design process based on the CAD, CFD, DOE, and Optimization frameworks ensues. In this approach, four surrogate models are applied. The study also performs optimization research and examines the optimization approach for updated designs. The results demonstrate that the Kriging surrogate model provides more accurate and reliable predictions. Compared with the original model, the total resistance of the optimized modified design is reduced by 23.99 %, and the power of the single thruster is reduced by 3.35 %. In addition, the volume occupied by the modified design is only 44% that of the original model. The results of this paper provide effective technical support for the optimization and upgrading of the shaftless rim-driven system of surface ships.