Numerical solution and experimental investigation for hydro-acoustic analysis and noise reduction assessment of ship ducted propeller

Ship noise emission has many environmental impacts. Recognizing noise -generating source and investigating noise reduction techniques is the first step in elimination or reduction of these harmful effects. Studies show that ship propeller is one of the main sources of ship noise emission. Ducted propeller is one of the well-known solutions for noise reduction. In this paper, results of numerical solution for governing mathematical equations of noise emission in far field is presented and sound pressure level is calculated using Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FWH) equations. Numerical solution is validated by valid research resources. Propeller noise emission is also calculated by experimental measurements and filtering ambient noise frequencies. Finally, a comparison has been made between numerical solution and experimental results and the effect of duct on noise reduction is calculated. The measured SPL emitted from the propeller in CFD approach (solving the FWH) shows 28% reduction for ducted propeller in comparison with the propeller without the duct. In experimental approach (after removing the ambient noise) shows 37% reduction for ducted propeller in comparison with the propeller without the duct.