Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The objective of the proposed work is to advance the understanding of the physical phenomena involved in the loading of azimuthing podded propellers. Additional knowledge concerning propeller hydrodynamics is the foundation for safe and innovative applications of this novel marine propulsor. The approach combines experimental and numerical elements, both building upon the previous work of the applicant. In brief, the work will consist of examining the hydrodynamic loads on podded propulsors in oblique flow and dynamic azimuthing conditions based on a focused experimental investigation in open water and under cavitating conditions. The experimental work will include an investigation of the interaction effects of dual propellers. A model will be developed to predict hydrodynamic loads on propellers during unconventional operations. An existing panel method code will be extended and validated for podded propulsor performance prediction. The numerical code will complement and extend the knowledge derived from the experimental program, and will be used to predict propeller performance, particularly for conditions that are not amenable to experimental investigations. The applicant has a track record for innovation in the arena of research on propellers, particularly in terms of novel experimental work. The proposal builds on that record and the associated physical infrastructure to address knowledge gaps related to the performance of podded propulsors. The proposed work has significant potential for impact arising from both the new knowledge it will generate, and from opportunities for innovation. The approach to realizing this potential is to address important gaps in the current state of knowledge with the expectation that better knowledge will provide a basis for better design, thereby unlocking the potential for technical innovation. Another significant characteristic of this proposed work is its role in educating HQP.