Numerical study on the wake evolution of contra-rotating propeller in propeller open water and self-propulsion conditions

Abstract

In this study, the wake characteristics of a contra-rotating propeller (CRP) were investigated using a numerical simulation. The numerical simulation was carried out with a Reynolds averaged Navier−Stokes equations solver. The numerical simulations were performed on CRPs in both propeller open water and self-propulsion conditions to investigate their wake evolution characteristics. To study the effect of the rudder on the wake in the self-propulsion condition, the numerical simulations with and without a rudder were compared. The evolution of the CRP wake was analysed through velocity and vorticity contours on one transverse plane between the forward and aft propellers and two transverse planes located downstream of the CRP. The variations of thrust and torque of the forward and aft propellers during one revolution of the CRP were compared to investigate the interaction between forward and aft propellers and the effect of a rudder.