Scaling of on-board characteristics of waterjet propulsion based on bench thrust testing data and loop test results

Abstract

The on-board “speed-resistance-power” curves are profiled by a fitted jet thrust deduction factor relation, where the raw data are obtained from both bench thrust testing data and loop test results. Firstly, the thrust characteristics of a waterjet were tested by a thrust testing bench, while the pump performance such as capacity, head and shaft power of the waterjet was measured on a loop test rig. The useful fitted jet thrust deduction factor relation involves three related variables, that is to say, thrust coefficient, torque coefficient, and advance coefficient. Then, the best efficiency propulsion points are indicated by a collapsing technology and the subsequent results that the best efficiency propulsion points are actually existed. Cavitation margins are also noted by the two groups of data obtained by the loop data and the bench data, respectively. The discrepancy of the two margins shows the measuring error of the loop test means. In addition, the non-consistency features of the curves in the cavitation zone indicate the complex cavitation instabilities in the waterjet propulsion. At last, the bench tested thrust results are supplemented and therefore a useful map is completed.