Optimization by CFD of the marine propulsion system

摘要

Over the years, there have been meaningful and comprehensive researches and developments in the field of propellers designs and models in order to ensure the increase their efficiency. Surely, an optimum propeller design leads to higher ship efficiency. There were many solutions to increase the marine propellers efficiency, but sometimes, many of them are supposing intricate devices involving high implementation costs and/or maintenance. The propeller design proposed by this paper comes as a result of the extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the design process. Also, the use of numerical simulations in the design process enables the introduction of a completely new approach in the design of propellers. The core element of the new innovative Backflow Propeller is the backflow shield (or screen) which is inbuilt in the phase of fabrication stage of the propeller claiming zero maintenance costs. What is visible here, it is that the suction pressure on the blade back is diminished, the whirlpools formed on the blade back are diverted, the jets on the backflow shield are there and working. All these are positive effects increasing the propeller efficiency. On the other hand, the leading edge of the propeller is increased; the opposing component of the jet is there and is taking its toll on the efficiency of the propeller. What is missing here is the experimental validation. This is because any experimental research is to be conducted in dedicated laboratory with proper instrumentation.