Hydrodynamic Performance Analysis of Rim-Driven Propeller Based on CFD

LiBin Du; zhen zhu; Vladimir Filaretov; Dmitry Yukhimets; ChengGang Wang; Di Tian; YunLi Nie

LiBin Du College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technolo-gy, Qingdao 266590
zhen zhu College of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Shandong University of Science and Technol-ogy, Qingdao 266590, China
Vladimir Filaretov College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Dmitry Yukhimets Institute of Automation and Control Process FEB RAS
ChengGang Wang College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technolo-gy, Qingdao 266590
Di Tian College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technolo-gy, Qingdao 266590
YunLi Nie College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technolo-gy, Qingdao 266590

Keywords: Shaftless propeller, CFD, Open-water simulation, Hydrodynamic performance, Oblique flow.

Abstract

The Shaftless Rim-Driven Thruster (RDT) is an integrated propulsion system that highly combines the duct, motor, and propeller. As the most critical component in RDT design, the rim-driven propeller addresses the shortcomings of traditional shaft-driven propellers, such as large spatial requirements, complex structures, and low efficiency. In this paper, a hydrodynamic performance simulation of a self-developed rim-driven propeller is conducted under open-water conditions to analyze the flow field characteristics, and the open-water hydrodynamic performance curves are successfully plotted to evaluate the thrust and torque coefficients. Furthermore, the propeller is investigated under oblique flow conditions to evaluate its hydrodynamic performance variations in complex underwater environments. The simulation results indicate that the oblique flow causes the propeller to bear significant alternating loads, which leads to a highly disordered flow field on the suction side of the blades. This phenomenon ultimately results in a noticeable decline in the overall hydrodynamic performance of the thruster. These findings provide important theoretical guidance for the further structural optimization and practical application of rim-driven propulsion technology.