Numerical study on the performance of a composite marine propeller in self-propulsion condition using the FSI algorithm

Composite materials are widely popular and outperform metallic counterparts with superior properties. The current study aims to predict a B series composite propeller's hydro-structural performance in self-propulsion mode. Numerical simulations were carried out in full-scale conditions using RANS equation-based CFD and FEM based software to predict the hydrodynamic and structural performance. Using the FSI coupling algorithm, a connection was established between two solvers to estimate the hydro-structural performance. Two geometrically ideal propellers were chosen for a candidate hull form with Steel and Carbon fibre material properties. Initially, the fluid load was calculated using CFD and transferred to the structural solver, and deformation and stresses were computed. Later, the structural deformation details were transferred to the fluid solver within the same step. The above process was repeated until convergence was achieved. Hydrodynamic parameters such as resistance, trim, and sinkage of the candidate hull were established numerically and validated with towing tank experiments. The open water curves tip deflection and von-mises stress of the same propeller were already established using the FSI algorithm [1]. The results obtained from structural solvers such as deflection and stress were compared with open water results and identified the deviation of bend-twist characteristics under wake conditions.