Investigation on the fluctuating blade forces of a cavitating propeller in oblique flow

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Albrecht, K.^a | Suhrbier, K.R.^b

Affiliations: [a] AB Karlstads Mekantska Werkstad, Marine Laboratory, Kristinehamn, Sweden | [b] Vosper Thornycroft Ltd., Hydrodvnamics Dept., Portsmouth, England

Abstract: Some model tests have been carried out in a free-surface cavitation tunnel with a 3-bladed super – cavitating propeller mounted on a special blade dynamometer to measure the fluctuating blade loads in oblique flow over a range of cavitation numbers. The experiments showed that the vibratory forces on the blades decrease in cavitating conditions. The results were analysed on the basis of a quasi-steady approach; empirical correlation factors were derived which may be used for approximate predictions of blade thrust and torque fluctuations of similar inclined shaft propellers. Some additional observations have been made on the effects of a narrow wake field and propeller ventilation.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1975-2224802

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 22, no. 248, pp. 132-147, 1975