Propeller Performance Research Articles

Enhancing the Thermal Stability and Combustion Performance of NC-Based Propellants via Bu-NENA Modification.

In this paper, a series of insensitive smokeless nitrocellulose (NC)-based propellants were prepared through the absorption rolling method. Their thermal stability was rigorously assessed via vacuum stability test (VST), and their thermal reactivity of the propellant was comprehensively investigated and compared using the thermogravimetric analysis (TG)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. Additionally, the combustion characteristics were meticulously analyzed by a constant-volume combustion diagnosis system. The experimental results showed that the thermal stability of the propellant was significantly enhanced when N-butyl-N-nitratoethyl nitramine (Bu-NENA) was used to partially or fully replace nitroglycerin (NG). However, an increase in Bu-NENA content corresponded with a decrease in the burning rate of the propellant. The catalytic effects observed in propellants varied markedly, influencing the composition of the products formed during thermal decomposition. Specifically, substituting 50 and 100% of NG with Bu-NENA resulted in reductions in the decomposition heat release of 96.2 and 258 J·g-1, respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of the catalyst significantly increased the burning rate under low-pressure conditions. For instance, at 2 MPa, the burning rate of Bu-0503 increased from 1.78 to 5.23 mm·s-1. A lower content of Bu-NENA was associated with a more luminous flame, while substituting 50 and 100% of NG with Bu-NENA led to decreases in flame temperature by 222 and 535 °C, respectively. The observed decrease in the flame temperature is attributed to the heat absorption during the volatilization of Bu-NENA, leading to a reduction in the thermal feedback of the flame.

On the Hydrodynamic and Structural Performance of Thermoplastic Composite Ship Propellers Produced by Additive Manufacturing Method

In the marine industry, the search for sustainable methods, materials, and processes, from the product’s design to its end-of-life stages, is a necessity for combating the negative consequences of climate change. In this context, the lightening of products is essential in reducing their environmental impact throughout their life. In addition to lightening through design, lightweight materials, especially plastic-based composites, will need to be used in new and creative ways. The material extrusion technique, one of the additive manufacturing methods, is becoming more widespread day by day, especially in the production of objects with complex forms. This prevalence has not yet been reflected in the marine industry. In this study, the performances of plastic composite propellers produced by the material extrusion technique is investigated and discussed comparatively with the help of both hydrodynamic and structural tests carried out in a cavitation tunnel and mechanical laboratory. The cavitation tunnel test and numerical simulations were conducted at a range of advance coefficients (J) from 0.3 to 0.9. The shaft rate was kept at 16 rps. The thrust and torque data were obtained using the tunnel dynamometer. Digital pictures were taken to obtain structural deformation and cavitation dynamics. The structural performance of the propellers shows that an aluminum propeller is the most rigid, while a short carbon fiber composite propeller is the most flexible. Continuous carbon fiber composite has high strength and stiffness, while continuous glass fiber composite is more cost-effective. In terms of the hydrodynamic performance of the propellers, flexibility reduces the loading on the blade, which can result in thrust and torque reduction. Overall, the efficiency of the composite propellers was similar and less than that of the rigid aluminum propeller. In terms of weight, the composite carbon propeller containing continuous fiber, which is half the weight of the metal propeller, is considered as an alternative to metal in production. These propellers were produced from a unique composite consisting of polyamide, one of the thermoplastics that is a sustainable composite material,, and glass and carbon fiber as reinforcements. The findings showed that the manufacturing method and the new composites can be highly successful for producing ship components.

Influence of Free Surface on the Hydrodynamic and Acoustic Characteristics of a Highly Skewed Propeller

The noise analysis of a large-scale aquaculture vessel reveals that during its navigation, the primary equipment noise, particularly from the propeller, exerts a notable influence on the aquaculture environment for large yellow croaker. The free surface greatly impacts the noise performance of propellers, which is a significant factor affecting the fish’s habitat. This study adopts the numerical simulation method to analyze the hydrodynamic and acoustic characteristics of the E1619 propeller operating near the free surface. The open-water performance and noise calculations of the propeller are verified through experiments, and the effects of different immersion depths and advance coefficients on the propeller are explored. The results demonstrate that the free surface significantly affects the thrust, torque, and noise of the propeller, especially at shallow immersion depths and low advance coefficients. Surface wave pattern causes the instability and breakup of tip vortices, causing increased thrust and torque fluctuations, reduced efficiency, and significant overall sound pressure levels in the entire flow field. As immersion depth and advance coefficients increase, the interaction between tip vortices and the free surface weakens, wake vortex instability decreases, and noise levels gradually reduce. These analyses and conclusions can guide the design of next-generation propellers for aquaculture vessels to optimize performance near the free surface.

Effect of AP and AN on the combustion and injection performance of Al-H2O gelled propellant

Aluminum-water propellants (Al-H2O propellants), representing a novel class of solid propellants, demonstrate the merits of cost efficiency and reduced feature signal characteristics. However, the conventional formulations of Al-H2O propellants are hampered by the generation of substantial condensed residues. In our investigation, we explored the incorporation of oxidizers into the Al-H2O propellant grain, aiming to enhance combustion and injection performance. Employing a multifaceted experimental approach, we conducted thermal gravimetric analysis, laser ignition experiments, and ignition tests within a lab-scale solid rocket motor (SRM) firing to systematically examine the effects of varying content of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and ammonium nitrate (AN) on the combustion and injection performance of Al-H2O propellants. Our findings indicated that integrating AP and AN at a mass fraction of 3 % each notably curtailed ignition delay time by approximately 67 % and 90 %, respectively, and concurrently decreased burning rates by approximately 50 % and 58 %. Significantly, it has been observed that a composition incorporating a 5 % mass fraction of AP enhances the combustion efficiency of the Al-H2O propellant system by approximately 2 %. Conversely, the integration of a 5 % mass fraction of AN into the same propellant matrix results in an augmentation of the injection efficiency by an estimated 47 %. Empirical evidence validating the augmentative impacts of AP and AN on the performance of Al-H2O propellants has been substantiated through a series of motor hot firing experiments. Furthermore, the combustion behavior of Al-H2O propellants has been elucidated through an analysis of the combustion physical mechanism of Al particles. The thermal decomposition of AP yields a substantial volume of oxidizing gases, which effectively accelerates the combustion rate of the Al particles, subsequently leading to an enhancement in the overall combustion efficiency of the propellant. Conversely, the decomposition of AN results in an increased production of nitrogen gas, thereby augmenting the velocity of gas flow and, consequently, elevating the injection efficiency of the propellant. This finding holds promise for guiding the developmental trajectory of Al-H2O propellants and refining the design parameters of propulsion systems.

Analysis of hydrodynamic performance and acoustic characteristics of loop propellers

To improve the efficiency and stealthiness of marine operations of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), 12 loop propellers with different structural parameters are selected as research subjects. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations method is used to simulate the flow field result around the loop propellers and is combined with detached eddy simulation and the acoustic analogy method for hydrodynamic analysis and noise prediction. The influence of three structural parameters, namely the number of propeller blades, the thickness of propeller blades, and the pitch of propeller blades, on the hydrodynamic and noise performance of the propeller is investigated, and the loop propeller structure with the optimal hydrodynamic and noise performance is selected. The research results indicate that increasing the number of propeller blades and increasing the pitch of the loop propeller can significantly improve the thrust and torque of the propeller and effectively reduce the noise. However, increasing the thickness of the propeller blades can also increase the thrust and torque of the propeller, but it will sacrifice the noise performance of the loop propeller to a certain extent. The sensitivity of the noise performance with respect to the blade thickness is significantly higher than that of the two parameters of blade number and pitch. To verify the accuracy of the hydrodynamic and noise performance simulation results, this study conducted hydrodynamic and noise performance tests on the preferred loop propeller structure in the towing pool and anechoic pool and successfully verifies the reliability of the numerical simulation method used in this study for the prediction of the propeller performance by comparing the test data with the simulation results. This study provides theoretical support for the design optimization of loop propellers and helps to promote the design of high-efficiency and low-noise propellers in complex marine environments.

The Impact of Nanocarbon Powder on the Characteristics of a Gel Propellant System with a High Concentration of Aluminum.

The addition of aluminum particles to a gel propellant has garnered attention through its potential for enhancing fuel properties. In order to enhance the energy performance of gel propellants, it is imperative to prepare gel propellants with high concentrations of aluminum. However, high-concentration aluminum-containing gels encounter two challenges. First, the combustion process leads to the agglomeration of aluminum particles, resulting in incomplete combustion. Additionally, elevated concentrations of aluminum particles increase the viscosity of the gel, impeding its atomization process and, subsequently, affecting combustion efficiency. These aforementioned issues pose practical obstacles for the application of high-concentration aluminum-containing gel propellants. In this research, a high-concentration aluminum-containing gel formulation was supplemented with nanocarbon powder. By investigating the impact of nanocarbon on various properties of the gel, its potential for addressing the above issues was analyzed. The investigation into the combustion performance of aluminum-containing gel blended with carbon powder revealed that the addition of 10 wt % nanocarbon powder to the gel system leads to a significant increase in the volumetric calorific value of the gel propellant by 21.21%. This enhancement not only improves the energy performance but also addresses the issue of incomplete combustion associated with aluminum. The rheology experiments conducted on gels demonstrate that the addition of nanocarbon powder results in an increased viscosity of the gel at lower shear rates, thereby enhancing its ability to withstand external disturbances during storage. Furthermore, this incorporation also enhances the gel's shear thinning properties, leading to a significant reduction in viscosity at higher shear rates and facilitating easier atomization of the gel system. In summary, the incorporation of nanocarbon powder can optimize the storage, atomization, and combustion processes of the gel, offering a straightforward and efficient approach to enhance the practical performance of metallized gel propellants.

The Electrochemical and Combustion Properties of HAN‐ECSP Using Cu2O/Cu Electrode

AbstractElectrically controlled solid propellant based on hydroxyammonium nitrate (HAN‐ECSP) cause extensive research by scientists. Nevertheless, research on the performance of ECSP is currently focused on the formulation of propellants, and few studies have been published on the design of electrodes and the influence of electrochemical properties on the combustion performance of propellant. Metal have been reported as one of potential electrodes in HAN‐ECSP, but it has many drawbacks, such as being prone to corrosion during electrochemical and ignition combustion testing. Hence, modifying metal electrodes is one of the best ways to improve their adaptability in the HAN‐ECSP system. In this work, Cu2O/Cu and Cu2O/CF electrodes were prepared by oxidation methods and subsequent calcination with tube furnace. It can be seen from the experimental results that the Cu2O/Cu and Cu2O/CF have positive effect on the overpotential and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the ignition delay time at 210 V of the propellant decreases from 3.28 s (Cu) to 2.05 s (Cu2O/Cu), 3.89 s (CF) to 1.85 (Cu2O/CF), respectively. Thus, Cu2O/Cu electrode is more suitable in the HAN‐ECSP system, and the electrochemical performance of HAN‐ECSP is an important factor that evaluate its ignition performance. Lower overpotential and higher current retention rate in the system will improve the ignition and combustion performance of the propellant. In general, this work reveals the influence of the electrochemical performance of propellants on their combustion performance, and provides data support and advices for improving the combustion performance of HAN‐ECSP.

Investigating the Impact of Nano‐Metal Oxides (Copper and Iron) on the Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Advanced Propellants with Nitrocellulose/Polyurethane Binders

AbstractThis research delves into the combined effects of green nano metal oxides (copper and iron) and polyurethane (PU) modification on the thermal degradation kinetics of propellant based on solid ammonium nitrate composite modified simple base (CMSB). Surface modification of ammonium nitrate particles was achieved through repeated spray coating, ensuring effective catalyst binding. The formulated compositions of propellants underwent thorough thermal characterization, including thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. TG analysis revealed a significant decrease in the propellant's thermal degradation temperature, attributed to AN modification with nano metal oxides (nMOs) and the use of PU/NC as a binder. Isoconversional kinetic methods (It‐KAS, It‐FWO, and VYA/CE) were employed for further analysis, allowing prediction of kinetic parameters. Additionally, kinetic analysis results allowed calculation of the critical ignition temperature. The thermokinetic results underscore the substantial impact of nMOs particles and PU modification regarding the reactivity and catalytic performance of propellant containing ammonium nitrate, leading to a noteworthy reduction in activation energy and critical ignition temperature. Furthermore, modifying the binder with nitrocellulose and incorporating nanoparticles significantly reduces ignition delay and combustion duration while increasing flame intensity in CMDB solid propellants, enhancing overall combustion efficiency.

Numerical Study of the Cavitation Performance of an Ice-Blocked Propeller Considering the Free Surface Effect

Propeller cavitation performance can be predicted based on model tests or simulations. However, the cavitation performance of an ice-blocked propeller near the free surface differs from that of a propeller in the cavitation tunnel. Therefore, research on the cavitation performance simulation of propellers near the free surface holds crucial scientific significance. In this study, a coupled model was established using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) coupling method. The CFD-VOF model weighted the overlapping grids and simulated the cavitation performance of an ice-blocked propeller using various immersion depths, cavitation numbers, and advance coefficients. The propeller inflow ahead of the propeller and the wake field behind it were controlled to accurately obtain the propeller cavitation performance. Moreover, a comparison was conducted between the cavitation tunnel test results and the numerical simulation results at various immersion depths. When the immersion depth was at a distance of 1D, the effect of the free surface on the propeller cavitation performance became significant. When the immersion depth was at a distance of 9D, the average errors between the numerical simulation and the model test data were within 10%. This study analyzed the cavitation performance of ice-blocked propellers near the free surface and provided valuable insights for the design of ice-class propellers.

Optimization of Quadcopter Propeller Aerodynamics Using Blade Element and Vortex Theory

The optimization of quadcopter propeller aerodynamics is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and stability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially in their increasing applications across various sectors, including humanitarian relief and delivery services. This study focuses on optimizing quadcopter propeller performance using Blade Element Theory and Glauert Vortex Theory to analyze the aerodynamic properties and predict thrust generation accurately. Experimental methods, including wind tunnel testing and static thrust measurements, were used to validate the theoretical models. The results indicate a close correlation between theoretical predictions and experimental data, providing insights into improving propeller efficiency and mitigating aerodynamic losses. By understanding the propeller characteristics, this research contributes to the development of advanced drone propulsion systems with enhanced thrust, reduced drag, and better overall flight performance. The findings also highlight the impact of environmental factors such as turbulence and blade geometry on quadcopter stability, pointing toward areas for further improvement in propeller design. This paper serves as a valuable resource for drone hobbyists, engineers, and researchers seeking to enhance UAV performance through optimized propeller aerodynamics.

Numerical research on hydrodynamic performance of toroidal propeller under the influence of geometric parameters

Recent advancements in high-efficiency, low-noise toroidal propellers have garnered significant interest due to their potential to revolutionize maritime propulsion. This study addresses this gap by leveraging established geometrical modeling methods for toroidal propellers to design a novel variant, and assesses its hydrodynamic performance using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method coupled with the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model. First, the paper introduces the toroidal propeller concept and modeling method before analyzing the impact of grid size on numerical simulations. The correspondence between numerical results and experimental data is then established to validate the computational model's accuracy. Following this, the study explores the hydrodynamic performance of the toroidal propeller, including pressure distribution on the blade surface and the flow field dynamics in the propeller's wake across varying advance coefficients. Subsequently, it examines the influence of geometric parameters such as axis span ratios, lateral angles, roll angles, and vertical angles, on the hydrodynamic performance, elucidating their effects on the pressure distribution profiles at radial sections, thrust coefficient, and open water efficiency. The findings provide substantial guidance for the geometric parameter selection in the optimal design of future toroidal propellers.

A unified cross-series marine propeller design method based on machine learning

Propeller design diagrams, like Bp-δ diagram, are widely applied in ship propeller design. However, different propeller series use various selection approaches, so comparisons between designs are only possible after individual candidates are chosen.This paper proposes a unified approach based on machine learning to allow efficient comparison and facilitate the selection of the optimal propeller amongst the available propeller series. The process starts by compiling propeller series data to generate a comprehensive dataset on propeller performance. This dataset is then used to train an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, which accurately predicts open-water propeller performance. Optimization techniques are applied to maximize propeller efficiency based on the specific needs of the vessel, while ensuring compliance with cavitation and noise constraints for safety. The model's accuracy is validated using data from the KRISO Container Ship (KCS), demonstrating the prediction's reliability. The method is then applied to select both open and ducted propellers for a variety of ship types to meet specific operational requirements. Ultimately, the optimized results are ranked by efficiency, offering an organized set of options for selecting the most suitable propeller. This approach eliminates the need for manual dataset correlation, significantly improving the efficacy of generating an outperforming initial design.

Numerical assessment of ice formation processes and its impact on a variable-pitch unmanned aerial vehicles propeller in forward flight

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) encounter significant challenges in freezing climates, as atmospheric ice accretion adversely impacts both flight safety and aerodynamic performance. This study provides an in-depth numerical investigation into the ice accretion process and its implications on the aerodynamic performance of UAV propeller. The analysis explores at various propeller blade pitching angles and rotational speeds. Detailed flow field analysis around propeller blade surfaces is conducted to address the performance degradations associated with ice accretion. The investigation reveals a noteworthy shift in ice shapes and extents with varying pitching angles and rotational speeds. The iced propeller demonstrates increased aerodynamic losses, marked by large size separation bubbles aft the ice shapes at outer radial locations. Remarkably, at higher pitching angles, the iced propeller outperforms the baseline propeller, followed by a propeller with increased rotating speed. For both baseline and higher pitching angles, the most significant losses in thrust coefficient 57.60% and 25.39%, respectively, occur at −2 °C, accompanied by maximum spikes in power coefficient of 140.08% and 93.92% at −4 °C. Meanwhile, an increase in rotating speed results in a decrease in thrust coefficient by 48.60% and an increase in power coefficient by 150.66% at an icing temperature of −4 °C.

Improved combustion performance of solid propellant with sliver nanoparticle decorated Al addition

The oxide layer on the Al particle surface seriously limits application in solid propellants, resulting in low combustion efficiency. This work prepares a series of Al decorated by nano-silver (namely Al/Ag) via in-situ reduction to enhance combustion performance Thanks to silver’s smaller specific heat capacity, surplus heat energy is transferred to the Al core through a tight combination with decorated noble metal nanoparticles. Along with the intermetallic reaction, the thermal stress on Al would accelerate the oxide shell rupture to reduce the oxygen gas diffusion barrier during combustion. The oxidation temperature of Al/Ag-2 composites decreases from 1017.3 °C to 982.93 °C. Hence, the combustion performance of solid propellants containing Al/Ag composites is improved with the higher maximum flame temperature and emission spectra intensity. In addition, the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is catalyzed via nano-silver. The combustion efficiency of the propellant containing Al/Ag-2 is effectively improved by the synergistic effect in which the potential energy from Al and AP is exploited as far as possible. This work demonstrates that metal surface modification significantly improves the combustion performance of solid propellants.

Predicting practical ship powering and speed loss in waves using added resistance test results

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a practical technique for accurately estimating ship propulsion and speed loss in the presence of waves. Utilising the previously established self-propulsion estimation framework, our approach enhances the method, which previously solely considered bare hull resistance, propeller performance, thrust deduction factor, and wake fraction, by incorporating added resistance test results. The full-scale DTC container ship is the focus of our investigation, providing a thorough examination of its performance in different sea states. The model's predictive abilities are enhanced by incorporating test data on added ship resistance, and it addresses a crucial aspect that is generally disregarded while estimating self-propulsion. This research is considered to be a contribution to the advancement of ship hydrodynamics, as it offers a practical and reliable tool for ship designers, operators, and researchers to accurately assess powering requirements and speed loss in harsh ocean conditions.

A Simplified Model for Propeller Thrust in Oblique Flow

New aircraft architectures are being proposed for unmanned aerial vehicles and air taxis, which include tilt-able motor and propellers. These propulsive units operate with a propeller axis at an angle oblique to the flight direction, and thus it is important to understand and model how thrust is produced by a propeller operating under these conditions. Propellers in oblique flow have been modeled using Blade Element Momentum Theory coupled to an inflow model, and the Vortex Lattice Method. In the present work, we develop a much simpler approach that neglects the crossflow component of the incoming air velocity. An advance ratio is developed based on the parallel inflow component, and is coupled to existing propeller data collected in axial flow conditions. The proposed model is evaluated using existing experimental data collected under oblique flow conditions, and is predicts thrust to within \(5\,\%\) of experimental values for most conditions. The greatest discrepancy between the model and experiments occurs in the pure crossflow case, which is of lesser importance in the application to unmanned aerial vehicles and air taxis.

Degradation Laws and Characteristic Parameters of Performance of Gun Propellant in Storage

Degradation Laws and Characteristic Parameters of Performance of Gun Propellant in Storage

Effects of propeller cavitation on ship propulsion performance in off-design operating conditions

The propeller cavitation is closely related with its hydrodynamic performance. When the propeller works in the cavitating flow, the propeller hydrodynamic performance, in terms of thrust and torque coefficients, is reduced due to the propeller cavitation. When the high-speed and high-power ship sails in adverse sea, the varying loads on propeller will cause severer cavitation on propeller. The reduction in propulsion performance caused by cavitation will further affect the propulsion system, impacting the ship sailing performance and safety. The VP1304 propeller cavitation CFD simulation are conducted to validate the CFD method. Furthermore, the influence of propeller advance ratio and cavitation numbers on the performance of low-speed high-power series propeller in cavitating flow are studied and illustrated. This influence of cavitation has also been transferred to the propulsion system and this process are calculated by the ship propulsion system numerical model. Additionally, the sailing performance of ship propulsion system under off-design conditions, where the cavitation is more likely to occur, has been investigated in this article. Under severe heavy load conditions, it can even result in a complete loss of propulsion capability, posing significant risks. Therefore, it is necessary to further optimize control strategies for the propulsion system to mitigate the hazards caused by cavitation.

Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller. II. Simulation for the full-scale propeller with defects

Paper II of this two-part paper investigated the effects of leading-edge (LE) manufacturing defects on the open-water cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller based on the geometry of David Taylor Model Basin propeller by using the three-dimensional (3D) steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes solver. Various simulation parameters, including domain size, grid size, stretch ratio, first-grid spacing, y+, and turbulence model, were carefully examined for their effects on the solutions, leading to the development of the best modeling practices for the full-scale propeller with LE defects. Employing these recommended best-practice settings, simulations were conducted on the full-scale propellers with 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mm LE defects. Compared to the predictions from Paper I [Jin et al., “Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller—Paper I: Simulation for the model- and full-scale propellers without defect,” Phys. Fluids 36, 105179 (2024).], which did not account for LE defects, the results showed that the LE defects within International Standards Organization (ISO) 484 Class S tolerances narrow the cavitation buckets. As a consequence, such LE defects can result in more than 40% reduction in cavitation inception speed, which is similar to the conclusions drawn from earlier two-dimensional (2D) studies [Jin et al., “2D CFD studies on effects of leading-edge propeller manufacturing defects on cavitation performance,” in SNAME Maritime Convention (The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 2020).]. Note that Paper I [Jin et al., “Numerical study on effects of leading-edge manufacturing defects on cavitation performance of a full-scale propeller—Paper I: Simulation for the model- and full-scale propellers without defect,” Phys. Fluids 36, 105179 (2024).] presents the simulations for the model- and full-scale propellers without LE defects.

Numerical and experimental study of the cavitation performance of a composite propeller

Cavitation, which is harmful and unavoidable, has troubled people for a long time and it is urgent to be solved. A composite propeller has the potential ability to improve the cavitation performance because of its distinctive hydro-elastic characteristic, but the related research is limited. In this paper, the cavitation performance of a composite propeller under uniform and non-uniform wake flow is investigated numerically and experimentally. A cavitation coupling simulation method is presented for predicting the cavitation performance of a composite propeller. Cavitation tests are conducted at a cavitation tunnel. The calculated and tested results of cavitation hydrodynamic performance and cavitation patterns are discussed and analyzed. The results show that they are quite consistent, more importantly, cavitation has a significant impact on the hydro-elastic response of a composite propeller.