Model testing system for surface-piercing propellers in a water tunnel: Design and in situ calibration methodology

Abstract

Improving surface-piercing propellers' performance requires experimental information and the development of appropriate model test instruments. Hence, the present study focused on designing, constructing and, in-situ calibrating a model test mechanism for SPP propellers. The test setup was designed in line with model test considerations for SPP propellers. It was capable of testing propellers with a maximum diameter of 13 cm, within axial and yaw angle range of 10 °, an immersion depth of 100 percent and the ability to consider the hull shape and force ventilation into the back of the propeller. To measure the propeller's torque and forces was designed a four-component dynamometer using static multi-component balances technology. The system calibration was conducted through the six-release calibration system under a BBD Design of Experiment method. The calibration coefficients were extracted through ANOVA methods with a 99 percent precision. Finally, the performance test results were presented for the HL001 propeller.