Propeller Performance Analysis Using Lifting Line Theory
Abstract
Propellers are typically optimized to provide the maximum thrust for the minimum torque at a specific number of revolutions per minute (RPM) at a particular ship speed. This process allows ships to efficiently travel at their design speed. However, it is useful to know how the propeller performs during off-design conditions. This is especially true for naval warships whose missions require them to perform at a wide range of speeds. Currently the Open-source Propeller Design and Analysis Program can design and analyze a propeller only at a given operating condition (i.e. a given propeller RPM and thrust). If these values are varied, the program will design a new optimal propeller for the given inputs. The purpose of this thesis is to take a propeller that is designed for a given case and analyze how it will behave in off-design conditions. This thesis implements Lerbs method using MATLAB (R) code to allow for fast and accurate modeling of circulation distributions and induced velocities for a wide range of operating conditions. These values are then used to calculate the forces and efficiency of the propeller. The program shows good agreement with experimental data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA540983
Entities
People
- Kevin M. Flood
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology