IMPROVING CAVITATION PERFORMANCE WITH NEW BLADE SECTIONS FOR MARINE PROPELLERS

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Dang, J.

Affiliations: Project engineer hydrodynamics, FPP Product Group, Wärtsilä Propulsion Netherlands BV, Drunen, The Netherlands

Abstract: Major problems in modern propeller designs for commercial vessels are discussed. New blade sections and their application in tackling those problems are investigated. Two designs and applications of propellers with new blade sections have been presented which exhibit a much wider cavitation bucket than conventional profiles. Thus, it is possible to reduce cavity volume, prevent leading edge vortex separation and its related cavitation erosion and reduce the pressure pulse levels as well as prevent broadband excitation of cavitating propellers.

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 353-376, 2004