Critical review of propeller performance scaling methods, based on model experiments and numerical calculations

Abstract

The article presents the results of experimental and numerical investigation of propeller scale effects, undertaken in co-operation of the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA), Germany, and Ship Design and Research Centre (CTO SA), Poland. The objective of the investigation was to test the adequacy of the methods currently used to account for the propeller scale effect and to develop possible improvement of the methods. HSVA has conducted model experiments in the large cavitation tunnel together with panel method and CFD calculations. CTO SA has performed model experiments in the towing tank, together with lifting surface and CFD calculations. Both institutions have suggested different new approaches to the problem and different new procedures to account for the propeller scale effects. In the article the procedures are presented together with the description of the underlying experimental and theoretical research.