Prediction of Propeller Performance Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach

Nur Amira Adam; Ahmad Fitriadhy; W. S. Kong; Faisal Mahmuddin; C. J. Quah

doi:10.25042/epi-ije.082019.15

Nur Amira Adam Programme of Maritime Technology, School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Ahmad Fitriadhy Programme of Maritime Technology, School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
W. S. Kong Programme of Maritime Technology, School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Faisal Mahmuddin Marine Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Hasanuddin University
C. J. Quah CEO Numit Enterprise, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25042/epi-ije.082019.15

Keywords: CFD, efficiency, propeller, RPM, thrust

Abstract

A reliable prediction approach to obtain a sufficient thrust and torque to propel the ship at desired forward speed is obviously required. To achieve this objective, the authors propose to predict the thrust coefficient (K_T), torque coefficient (K_Q) and efficiency (η) of the propeller in open-water model test condition using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation approach. The computational simulation presented in the various number of rotational speed (RPM) within the range of advance ratio J=0.1 up to 1.05. The higher value of J lead to decrease 10K_Q and K_T. While the η increased steadily at the lower value of J and decreased at the higher value of J. The results also showed that the propeller with 1048 rpm obtain a better efficiency at J=0.95 with η= 88.25%, 10K_Q=0.1654 and K_T= 0.0942. The computation result is very useful as preliminary data for propeller performance characteristics.