Abstract
Feasibility of a three dimensional, incompressible flow velocity potential formulation to predict steady and unsteady loads and moments on typical marine propellers is demonstrated. Such formulation is developed with emphasis on its adaptability to numerical techniques of solution. A computer program is designed incorporating both steady and unsteady flow analyses. Covergence studies are conducted to optimize various numerical schemes used, with regard to their accuracy and computational efficiency. A model propeller is built and tested in the laboratory test tank. Differential pressure distributions over the blade surfaces obtained experimentally and predicted using the analytical and numerical approach detailed correlate with reasonable accuracy. Applicability of the technique is further validated by comparing the predicted propeller characteristics of two standard Wageningen Series B-3.35 and B-3.50 marine propellers with experimental data. In addition, unsteady hydrodynamic thrust and moment coefficients are presented for the Series B-3.50 propeller and their effects are discussed. In conclusion, the velocity potential formulation is suggested as an effective alternative to the currently used acceleration potential method to analyze ship propellers.
Elchuri, Vijayvardhan (1977). Prediction of unsteady loads and moments on ship propellers. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -372362.