Design of Propellers and Propulsion Systems

The SVA has a long and diverse experience in the field of propeller design and the design of complex propulsion systems. As a model basin and research institute, the SVA Potsdam has the unique advantage of being able to use the experience gained from basic and applied research directly for the design of propulsion systems.

Major parts of design programs have been developed in the SVA. This includes pre-processing for propeller definition and geometry modification and recalculation processes for propellers, ducted propellers, twin and contra-rotating propellers. Furthermore, mathematically based optimisation methods and post-processing for assessment of cavitation, pressure fluctuation predictions and strength calculations using FEM analysis, and interfaces for 3D modeling are included. All of these programs are contained within the program package of VORTEX. Other propeller manufacturers and classification societies use, among other things, this software for design and certification. The continuous development of design tools is supported through close contact with these propeller manufacturers and classification societies.

The SVA has had, among other things, significant contributions to the development of the twin propeller concept from SCHOTTEL and set milestones in the development of low-noise propellers for research, naval vessels and submarines. For large tug boats, ducted propellers are designed with more than 200 t thrust. In the development of ducted propellers with high static thrust demands in particular, the broad experience with extensive CFD calculations of propulsion systems on the ship can be made use of.

Designs of propellers and propulsion systems can be fully tested in the SVA in model scale, whereupon despite advanced calculation methods, model testing cannot be dispensed with. After propulsion or cavitation testing, the propeller design can be improved to meet the highest standards of practice.

To determine the behaviour of ship and propulsion system and the tuning of the engine, trial runs are accompanied by the SVA during which special full-scale measurements (power measurement, vibration, pressure fluctuations and acoustics measurements, cavitation observations, manoeuvring measurements) are conducted.