Numerical Simulation of Cotra Rotating Propellers

In this paper, numerical simulation based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation and k - omega SST turbulence model is performed to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of Contra rotating propeller (CRP). The whole computation domain is divided into three sub-domains, which include the two rotating domains containing the fore and aft propellers, and the left outer domain. MRF(Multiple reference frame) coordinate system technique is used to simulate the rotation of the propeller. Fully structured gridding strategy is used to ensure the accuracy of the calculation and reduce computation time. The numerical simulation is verified by the experimental data of CRP6 and CRP7. Then, further analysis of the fluctuation of the thrust and torque is performed, as well as the hydrodynamic interference between the two forward and aft propellers.