Improving geometry of marine pump jet

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses pump jet propulsor. The purpose of the study was to improve its elements through experimental and theoretical investigation of its hydrodynamics and cavitation properties. This work is a part of the project intended to develop an application for a useful model. Subject matter and methods. To achieve its purposes, the work follows both theoretical and experimental research methods of ship theory. Numerical simulation of pump jet operation was performed in Siemens StarCCM+ commercial software package, and also as per in-house Krylov State Research Centre calculation methods for unviscous and viscous flows. Main results. The study suggests rotor and stator blade profiles that improve hydrodynamic and cavitation performance of basic pump jet versions. It also suggests updated shapes for pump jet stator and aft fairing. The study has shown that these improvements will increase the efficiency of pump jets by 3–5% as compared to the basic version, and will also eliminate several types of cavitation. Conclusion. The study was meant to improve pump jet elements so as to eliminate the flaws of the basic pump jet version. The results will be helpful in further pump jet design and development of the application for useful model.