Numerical study on the propulsive performance of a wiggling blade in bubbly flow

Abstract

In order to search for an efficient propulsion mechanism in an air-water bubbly flow, the propulsive performance of a blade wiggling in the bubbly flow is analysed by a two-dimensional numerical method. The blade, whose geometry is similar to an NACA65–010 hydrofoil, is set in a straight conduit, in which the bubbly mixture flows. The wiggling motion is expressed by a progressive wave with reference to the swimming motions of fish. The bubbly flow is calculated by an incompressible two-fluid model in conjunction with the finite element method proposed by the author in an earlier paper. The calculations reveal the effects of a progressive waveform and volumetric fraction of air upstream of the blade on the propulsive performance of the blade. The time variations of the flow properties around the blade are also discussed in relation to the blade motion and propulsive performance.