Propeller-Hull Interaction Effects in Waves – Part 2

This project focuses on enhancing the design of fuel-efficient ships by accurately predicting power requirements, considering the interactions between various ship components such as the hull, propeller, appendages, and machinery. These interactions are critical for balanced powering, which directly influences fuel consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact. Traditional power prediction methods typically assume calm water conditions, overlooking the significant effects of waves on ship performance, including changes in ship motions, resistance, wake, speed, and propeller/engine load. 

The project aims to address these limitations by investigating propeller-hull interaction effects under both calm water and regular head wave conditions, using model-scale numerical simulations. The study is structured in three phases: examining the bare hull, the propeller alone (Propeller Open Water or POW), and the self-propelled hull. For the bare hull, both Fully Nonlinear Potential Flow (FNPF) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods are used, particularly the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach. The POW and self-propelled hull analyses rely solely on the RANS method. A Verification and Validation (V&V) procedure ensures the accuracy and reliability of these computational models. 

Results from these numerical methods closely match experimental data, providing valuable insights into the hydrodynamic performance of ships, particularly in understanding the flow physics involved in propeller-hull interactions. This project's findings are essential for optimizing ship and propeller designs under more realistic environmental conditions than previously considered, ultimately contributing to the development of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly maritime vessels.