Optimization of the Open Water Performance of a Ducted Propeller

Paper in proceeding, 2024

The pursuit of advanced and practical marine propulsion systems remains a critical focus for engineers and researchers. In response, extensive efforts have been made to identify optimal systems tailored to specific vessel requirements. Among these systems, ducted propellers present a promising solution. This paper investigates the effects of geometric variations in duct shape, specifically focusing on the length of the chord and the angle of attack for three different duct profiles. Using STAR-CCM+ software, the hydrodynamic characteristics of these configurations are analyzed. The study employs the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and the SST k-omega turbulence model to simulate the flow. Results are expressed in terms of dimensionless force coefficients acting on the propulsion system, and the numerical findings are validated against existing data for a ducted propeller. Additionally, the design optimization is performed using HEEDS software, coupled with STAR-CCM+, to identify the most efficient duct configurations.