Propeller – hull vortex cavitation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Huse, E.

Affiliations: Norwegian Ship Model Experiment Tank, The Technical University of Norway, Trondheim, Norway

Abstract: A special type of cavitation, here denoted as ‘propeller-hull vortex cavitation’ (hereafter abbreviated PHV cavitation), has been investigated in the cavitation tunnels of The Norwegian Ship Model Experiment Tank. This cavitation appears in the form of vortices with cavitating cores extending from the propeller to the hull above and ahead of it. There are indications that such cavitation also takes place on certain ships in full scale, and that it may give rise to afterbody noise and vibrations. Systematic observations have been carried out to investigate the effects of afterbody form, tip clearance, propeller loading and cavitation number. Small vertical fins fitted to the hull above the propeller have been found to be very effective in reducing PHV cavitation. Various hypotheses are suggested as possible physical explanations of PHV cavitation.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1972-1921201

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 19, no. 212, pp. 111-125, 1972