Numerical simulation of the wake dynamics of the pumpjet propulsor in oblique inflow

Abstract

A numerical analysis based on detached eddy simulations is conducted to investigate vortex dynamics of a pre-swirl pumpjet propulsor (PJP) in oblique inflow. In this paper, the working conditions of PJP operating in axisymmetric flow and drift with two angles (10° and 20°) are considered. The effects of incidence α and propeller loading on the wake dynamics of PJP as well as the mechanism leading to its destabilization are discussed. The results show that high hydrodynamic efficiency loss is found for PJP operating in drift. In addition, a different “secondary vortex structure” caused by the duct is found for PJP in both axisymmetric and oblique flow conditions. The instability mechanism of tip vortices shows obvious asymmetry. On the leeward side, it is dominated by the interaction caused by the duct-induced vortex, while it is dominated by the secondary vortices on the windward side. Furthermore, the fluctuation frequency of tip vortex for PJP is characterized by the rotor blade-passing frequency and the stator blade-passing frequency. In addition, the hub rotation frequency is important in oblique flow conditions.