Numerical Investigation of Propeller Skew Effect on Cavitation

This paper addresses the skew effects (a significant geometric property) of marine propellers on cavitation phenomenon numerically. DTMB 4381, 4382, 4383 and 4384 model propellers with different skew values have been chosen to investigate the cavity patterns on the blades under open water conditions. A lifting surface method has been applied for both non-cavitating and cavitating propellers. Numerical results (nondimensional thrust and torque coefficients, efficiency values and cavity patterns on the blades) have been validated with experimental results. It has been found that the present numerical method is accurate and reliable for predicting the hydrodynamic performance of both non-cavitating and cavitating propeller under open water conditions. It has also been found that under certain conditions the skewed blades of the propeller can cause lesser cavity patterns and improve the propeller performance.