Numerical prediction of the performance of marine propellers using computational fluid dynamics simulation with transition-sensitive turbulence model

Determining and understanding the performance characteristics of marine propellers by experiments is quite a complex and costly task. Numerical predictions using computational fluid dynamics simulations could be a valuable alternative provided that the laminar-to-turbulent transition flow effects are fundamentally understood with the suitable numerical models developed. Experience suggests that the use of classical turbulent flow models may lead to high discrepancies especially at low rotational speeds where the effects of fluid flow transition from the laminar to the turbulent state may influence the predicted propeller's performance. This article proposes a complete and detailed procedure for the computational fluid dynamics simulation of non-cavitating flow over marine propellers using the "k-kl-omega" transition-sensitive turbulence model. Results are evaluated by "ANSYS FLUENT 16" for the "INSEAN E779A" propeller. Comparisons against the fully turbulent standard "k-epsilon" model and against experiments show improved agreement in way of flow transition zones at lower rotational speeds, that is, at low Reynolds numbers.