Numerical analysis of three dimensional flow around marine propellers in restricted water

Abstract

Marine propeller blades have complicated geometries and as a consequence, the flow pattern around these propellers is very complex. The efficiency of the marine propeller is strongly dependent on propeller performance, thrust force and torque of propeller. In channels, canals, harbors and other types of restricted waters, flow inlet to the propellers is asymmetric and non-uniform, therefore hydrodynamic characteristics of the propeller is affected greatly by the presence of lateral restrictions of the navigation area, such as banks, quay walls and bottom. This research has approached the propeller hydrodynamic performance related to study on wake pattern behind of propeller affected by bank via numerical modeling using a finite volume code. Finally, the results of simulation the propeller's wake pattern and 3D flow around the propeller, with and without bank are compared. The influence of these parameter changings in the working propeller performance are carefully considered and analyzed.