The design of propeller and propeller boss cap fins (PBCF) by an integrative method

Generally, after a marine propeller design, the propeller boss cap fins (PBCF) design concerns with an optimal selection of model test results, without a due consideration of the interaction between the PBCF and the propeller. In this paper, the PBCF and the propeller are considered as a whole system with their design as an integrative process, in which the concept of the increased loading in the blade root is incorporated. The load distribution on the blade becomes well-proportioned due to the increased loading in the blade root, and it is advantageous to the reduction of the vibratory force and the blade tip vortex. The blade root area is stronger in withstanding forces, and is not easy to be vibrated, therefore, the increased loading there is beneficial to the noise reduction. The disadvantage of the increased loading in the blade root is the generation of the hub vortex behind the boss cap, but the hub vortex can be broken up by the energy saving hydrodynamic mechanism of the PBCF. The integrative design method introduced in this paper can provide a higher efficiency for propellers under the same design conditions. In this paper, an integrative propeller and PBCF design method including the theoretical design and the numerical optimization design is proposed, based on the potential flow theory, the CFD tools, the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm, and the model tests. A propeller with the PBCF is designed based on the method of integrated increased loading in the blade root for a cargo vessel in this paper. The cavitation tunnel model test results show that the propeller and the PBCF thus designed enjoys a higher efficiency, and the design method is effective, reliable and practical.