Thruster-Interaction Effects on a DP Shuttle Tanker - Wake Flow Measurements of the Main Propeller and Bow Tunnel Thrusters

Abstract

This paper discusses thruster interaction effects for a DP shuttle tanker, equipped with two main propellers and rudders, as well as two bow tunnel thrusters. Thruster-interaction model tests were carried out in MARIN’s Deepwater Towing Tank. Detailed PIV measurements were taken of the wake flow behind the main propellers and rudders. Furthermore, PIV measurements were taken of the wake flow of one of the two bow tunnel thrusters. The flow velocities were measured in a large number of cross sections at different down-stream positions. The PIV measurements provide a detailed image of the velocities in the thruster wake, showing axial velocities, as well as transverse and vertical velocity components. The results of the first set of measurements showed in detail the wake flow behind the main propeller of the DP shuttle tanker. The wake flow pattern was determined at rudder angles of 0 deg and 10 deg. Since the research is related to DP performance, bollard pull conditions (zero forward speed) were considered in the model tests. The results of the second set of measurements showed in detail the wake flow of one of the bow tunnel thrusters. The wake flow pattern was investigated in zero speed conditions, as well as for the vessel at forward speed. The observed flow patterns helped to explain the reduced bow tunnel performance at forward speed. The results of the present research are used to further improve the understanding of the physics of thruster interaction effects. Furthermore, the results will serve as validation material for CFD calculations that are currently being performed.

Experimental Study on the Flow Field, Force, and Moment Measurements of Submarines with Different Stern Control Surfaces

“…diffuse reflection on the rudder surface causes interference with the incident lase [30,31], leading to a difficulty in measuring the flow field on the submarine SCS. T rent lack of sufficient experimental measurement data for the validation of theoret simulation results of the X-rudder flow field restricts the further development of su oretical and numerical methods.…”

“…Regarding experimental research on the X-rudder, relevant published information is relatively scarce. On the one hand, the manipulation of the X-rudders poses higher requirements on the control system [26][27][28][29]; on the other hand, when using Particle Image Velocity measurements, the diffuse reflection on the rudder surface causes interference with the incident laser sheet [30,31], leading to a difficulty in measuring the flow field on the submarine SCS. The current lack of sufficient experimental measurement data for the validation of theoretical and simulation results of the X-rudder flow field restricts the further development of such theoretical and numerical methods.…”

Experimental Study on the Influence of Bulbous Bow Form on the Velocity Field around the Bow of a Trimaran Using Towed Underwater 2D-3C SPIV

“…Mallat et al [28,29] measured the flow field at the longitudinal section in the bow region of a ship with a reduction ratio of 1/30 and used a 2D PIV measurement system in a circulating water tank. Cozijn et al [30] used the 2D-3C SPIV measurement system to measure and study the flow field around the bow thrust area of a dynamically positioned ship in the tank of Marine Research Institute Netherland (MARIN). Yoon et al [31] used the towed underwater tomographic particle image velocimetry (TPIV) system to measure and analyze the flow field around David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB) model 5415 under straight-ahead and static drift 10 • and 20 • conditions, and the measurement sections included the bow region.…”