Distorsion of Axisymmetric Boundary Layer Due to Propeller Suction

Abstract

The distorsion of axisymmetric boundary layer due to propeller suction is investigated experimentally by means of measurement of velocity distribution ahead of and at the propeller location. It is found that the difference between velocity distribution with propeller and without propeller is approximately expressed by the change of boundary layer integral parameters. The prediction of propeller-suction effect on the boundary layer velocity distribution is made theoretically by use of the integral method for the axisymmetric boundary layer. A close agreement is obtained between the measured and predicted velocity distribution upstream of a propelle. The notion of the effective velocity distribution is also discussed.