Impact of skew on propeller tip vortex cavitation

Abstract To analyze the effect of skew on propeller cavitation performance, single-blade propellers with different amounts of skew are investigated. Simulations are preformed using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and the Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model. The computational domain is meshed by cutting cells. The rotation of the propellers is simulated using Moving Reference Frame (MRF). Present study also examines the roll-up of the cavitating tip vortex and re-entrant jet with increasing skew. The results suggest that the hydrodynamic performance and cavitation vary as the skew increases. The circulation of the tip vortex cavitation fluctuates with diameter oscillations of the tip vortex. The re-entrant jet is observed at the suction side of the blade. Furthermore, there is a strong radial velocity component in the fluid flow near the re-entrant jet.