Influence of laminar-to-turbulent transition on model scale propeller performances. Part I: fully wetted conditions

ABSTRACT

The influence of the laminar-to-turbulent boundary layer transition on model scale propellers characteristics is investigated using the γ-Re_θ model. OpenFOAM and StarCCM+ RANSE solversare used for the investigation, which is carried out for two test cases. Available measurements at a sufficiently low rate of shaft revolution (i.e. Reynolds number)are used to assess the capabilities of the model in improving model scale predictions. This first part of the study is focused on fully wetted conditions, considering the influence of grid resolution and inflow turbulent intensity on the transition onset predicted by the model. The influence of the laminar-to-turbulent transition on the inception and development of cavitation, and the capabilities of predicting such phenomena using a modified mass transfer model, are discussed in the second part of the study (Gaggero, 2020. Influence of Laminar-to-Turbulent transition on model scale propeller performances. Part II: cavitating conditions. Ship and Offshore Structures).

KEYWORDS:

• Propeller
• laminar to turbulent transition
• OpenFOAM
• transition sensitive turbulence models

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stefano Gaggero

Stefano Gaggero is Associate Professor in Naval Architecture at the University of Genoa. His main interests span from ship hydrodynamic to ship propulsion, with particular attention to propeller design and cavitation.