Numerical analysis of the influence of hull-modulated inflow on unsteady force fluctuations and vortex dynamics of pump-jet propulsor

Abstract

The influence of the hull-modulated inflow on the propulsion performance of the propeller is related to the matching design of the propeller–hull system. In the present study, considering the working conditions of the pump-jet propulsor in uniform inflow and two types of hull-modulated inflow, based on improved delay detached eddy simulation, the influence of hull-modulated inflow on unsteady force fluctuations and vortex dynamics of pump-jet propulsor under design conditions is carried out. The results show that the hull-modulated inflow increases the propulsion efficiency of the pump-jet propulsor to varying degrees within the range of the calculated advance coefficient and has a significant influence on the frequency characteristics of the unsteady force spectra characteristics of each component of the pump-jet propulsor. It also shows changes in the magnitude characteristics, that is, the energy transfer process of an individual rotor blade from the stator blade passing frequency to other harmonics of the shaft rotation frequency, and the thrust spectrum of an individual stator blade presents broad-spectrum characteristics in the high-frequency range. Furthermore, the application of hull-modulated inflow directly affects the shape of the stator shedding vortex, causing some of the stator blade shedding vortices to separate early and aggravating its short-wave instability. More secondary vortices are induced to accelerate the instability of the rotor blade tip clearance vortex. The energy transfer mechanism from the rotor blade passing frequency and its harmonics to the broadband spectra appears in the wake field of the pump-jet propulsor.