Numerical Simulation of Fluctuating Propeller Forces and Comparison with Experimental Data

Unsteady CFD method based on realizable k-epsilon model is used for predicting unsteady forces of propeller working in non-uniform wake. First, CFD computations with different mesh scales were conducted at the propeller design condition, the results show that mesh refinement changed the results little. Then unsteady CFD simulation with different time step intervals was conducted for determining suitable time step interval, the results show that it is suitable for propeller rotating 3 degrees per step. Based on the chosen mesh and time step interval, unsteady CFD simulation of propeller P4118 was conducted in 3-cycle and 4-cycle inflow, the unsteady thrust, torque and horizontal force agree well with experimental data, the results show that CFD method has good accuracy in predicting unsteady propeller forces.