Analysis of Propeller-Hull Interaction Phenomena on a Self-Propelled Axisymmetric Body

Paper in proceedings, 2017

The Reynolds Transport theorem for energy is used to study propeller-hull interaction effects by analyzing different components of energy flux through a control volume around a self-propelled vessel. These components are the axial kinetic energy, the transversal kinetic energy, the turbulent kinetic energy, the internal energy and the pressure work. This energy balance approach is here used to study the influence of propeller diameter on the propulsive power. To this end, propellers of different diameters have been studied in behind condition. In order to keep the incoming wake into the propellers as simple as possible, an axi-symmetric hull shape is employed. The energy fluxes are calculated employing a RANS approach to solve the momentum transport and continuity equations together with the energy equation (the heat transfer equation in fluid). The latter equation is solved to compute the internal energy. The results show a minor difference on interaction effects. However, analyzing the energy flux components and their contribution to the total energy provides an extra tool for better understanding of the interaction effects.