A Numerical Investigation of a Winglet-Propeller Using an LES Model

• Main Authors: Wencai Zhu, Hongtao Gao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-09-01
• Series: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
• Subjects: large eddy simulation; tip vortex cavitation; tip vortex wake; winglet-propeller
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/7/10/333

The generation of tip vortex cavitation (TVC) is a common phenomenon in marine propellers. Therefore, it is important to find a way for the effective suppression of TVC. Based on the enlightenment of bionics, a propeller with winglets was numerically investigated by using a large eddy simulation (LES) model and the commercial software STAR-CCM+. Various variables, such as mesh size, number of prism layers, vapor properties and time step, were analyzed using the benchmark MAU5-80 propeller. The open water characteristics calculated for the benchmark propeller were compared with experimental data. The meshes in the region of the tip vortex wake were refined. The power spectral density (PSD) of the thrust coefficient and axial velocity were investigated. The comparison of TVC between the benchmark propeller and the propeller with winglets was studied with the <i>Q</i>-criterion, helicity and volume fraction of the vapor. The strength of the tip vortex wake is weakened by winglets; therefore, the presence of winglets leads to a reduction in vapor volume, which in turn alleviates TVC.