Numerical and experimental investigation of the quasi-cavitation effect on a ducted Propeller for ROV

Abstract

To control precisely and investigate maneuverability of an underwater vehicle in a nuclear power pool this article presents a study on the mathematical model and the thrust characteristics of a ducted propeller under the quasi-cavitation effect by a numerical method. Firstly, a mathematical model of a ducted propeller including the quasi-cavitation effect term which is often ignored, is established based on the thrust performance under different quasi-cavitation distances and the revolution speed by CFD. Then the pressure field near the suction and pressure surface of blades are analyzed, which reveals that the thrust increases with a decrease of the quasi-cavitation distance. Finally, the thrust performances under different conditions are experimentally measured in an open-water pool, which can verify the reliability of the mathematical model below the error of 10%. The results demonstrates that the presented method can be used to evaluate the dynamic mechanism of a propeller, and hold a potential to improve the control strategy.

Guest editorial for the special issue on “marine hydrodynamics for innovative design”

“…Ship theory with emphasis on the prediction of slamming loads by hybrid hydroelasticity methods, 2 seakeeping, 3,4 maneuvering, 5 propulsion, 6,7 and stability 8,9…”