Large efficient maritime propeller without hull pressure excitations

Abstract

This thesis studies competence of simplified simulation methods for boosting simulation. The most efficient propulsion unit has higher amount of power compared to less efficient propulsion units in boosting. Boosting is relevant subject to study due to new concept. New concept allows a larger diameter for the propeller which increases the efficiency of the propeller. New concept relies on the idea to have the propeller behind the hull.

The thesis is restricted to study displacement hulls from a point of view of propulsion efficiency. Large cruise ship model is utilized in this thesis to identify boosting related effects efficiently. Model tests reports of this concept are used as a baseline and a comparison material for two methods that are tested in this thesis. These methods are Matlab simulation code and OpenFOAM as the CFD software.

New propulsion arrangement concept is more efficient than current solutions for this hull type according to model tests. Trend of the CFD and Matlab simulation results matches well with model test results for boosting. Matlab simulation is evidently more time efficient solution than CFD simulation for boosting. Simplified CFD simulation is sufficiently accurate to study boosting concept with this research setup. Matlab and CFD simulations can be combined to obtain the most efficient solution to analyze the most effective load division for boosting.

Different types of hulls should be simulated and results should be verificated with model or full scale tests. In addition, ships with old two shaft arrangements could be converted to have two smaller pods and center line propeller in order to have better comparison with current methods. Scaling factors increases the uncertainty for new concepts; therefore full scale measurements are required.