Hull-Propeller Interaction

Abstract

For moving ahead ship needs thrust, which is generated by rotating propeller behind its hull. Propellers are used to generate thrust to propel marine vehicles. Propeller generates thrust by virtue of the pressure difference between two surfaces of the propeller blade, called face and back. The incident angle of the flow plays a major role in generating this pressure difference over every blade section (which is an aerofoil section in general). A controllable pitch propeller can adjust incidence of incoming flow and can offer better control over the thrust generated by it.Traditionally thrust and torque of a propeller, is predicted by model test. This takes more time,manpower, space and cost. In present time CFD is getting popular for hydrodynamic designs as it give relative saving in time, manpower, space and cost.