Numerical Analysis of Hub Effect on Hydrodynamic Performance of Propellers with Inclusion of PBCF to Equalize the Induced Velocity

Abstract

In this article the boundary element method (BEM) is applied to analyze the propeller hub as a non-lifting body and the blades in its vicinity as lifting bodies. In solver, the geometrical modeling of hub, blades are PBCF (Propeller Boss Cap Fin) constructed by quadrilateral elements. The velocity potential is determined on each element by discretized boundary integral equation. Iterative procedure is used to consider the adjacent body effect. In each step the body was independently analyzed with the influence of near body considered in inflow velocity. The induced velocity of propeller was calculated with and without PBCF in downstream. PBCF, an energy-saving device, reduces and uniforms the induced velocity of propeller in downstream. Numerical results of propeller hydrodynamic characteristics including hub effect, induced velocities, PBCF influence are presented.