Open-Water Thrust and Torque Predictions of a Ducted Propeller System with a Panel Method

Abstract

This paper discusses several modelling aspects that are important for the performance predictions of a ducted propulsor with a low-order Panel Method. The aspects discussed are the alignment of the wake geometry, the influence of the duct boundary layer on the wake pitch, and the influence of a transpiration velocity through the gap. The analysis is carried out for propeller Ka4-70 operating without and inside a modified duct 19A, in which the rounded trailing edge is replaced by a sharp trailing edge. Experimental data for the thrust and torque are used to validate the numerical results. The pitch of the tip vortex is found to have a strong influence on the propeller and duct loads. A good agreement with the measurements is achieved when the wake alignment is corrected for the presence of the duct boundary layer.