Numerical computation of tip vortex flow generated by a marine propeller

The uniform flow past a rotating marine propeller was studied using incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computations with the Baldwin-Bank turbulence model. Extensive comparison with the experimental data was made to validate the numerical results. The general characteristics of the propeller flow were well predicted. The current numerical method, however, produced an overly diffusive and dissipative tip vortex core. Modification of the Baldwin-Earth model to better predict the Reynolds stress measurements also improved the prediction of the mean velocity field. A modified tip geometry was also tested to show that an appropriate cross section design can delay cavitation inception in the tip vortex without reducing the propeller performance.