Numerical Simulation of Propeller-Rudder Interaction for Non-Cavitating and Cavitating Flows Using Different Approaches

Abstract

The present article deals with the numerical investigation of propeller-rudder interaction. The involved simulation method is based on coupling a RANS solver and a potential-theory based panel method, where the panel method primarily handles the propeller flow and the RANS solver is used for the simulation of the complex rudder flow. Compared to full RANS simulations, this separation allows numerical investigations in a time-saving manner. In a numerical study, a rudder-propeller combination is evaluated by means of the developed simulation method for different propeller advance coefficients and rudder angles. Rudder cavitation is also adressed. The results are compared to results obtained by a full RANS simulation.