Prediction of Propeller Tip Vortex Using OpenFOAM

It is important to predict the propeller tip vortex flow and its effect on hull vibration and noise. In our previous work, the tip vortex flow of the David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB) 5168 propeller model has been studied based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) solution using various eddy viscosity and Reynolds Stress turbulence models. A set of structural grids were used, however, large Jacobian values of the structural grids around the propeller tip region led to the convergence problem and inaccurate solutions. In the present work, the numerical prediction of the same propeller model was improved by using a steady-state RANS solver simpleFoam in OpenFOAM with locally refined unstructured grid along the tip vortex trajectory. The computed thrust and torque coefficients and the velocity components across the vortex core are compared with experimental data and results in the previous studies. Improvement in the prediction of velocity components across the tip vortex core were achieved.