Numerical Simulation of a Flow Field Around a Flat Plate Rudder in Propeller Slipstream

Abstract

The viscous flow computation of propeller-rudder interaction is presented through comparisons with available experimental data including flow visualization and mean-flow measurements. The steady flow field is calculated by a viscous flow code coupled with a body-force distribution which represents the propeller. The transport equations are discretized using a staggered grid and the exponential scheme. The velocity-pressure coupling is accomplished based on the SIMPLER algorithm. Qualitative agreement is obtained between the calculations and the mean-flow data. Although the details of the flow field is different because of the laminar flow computation and numerical treatment. The computational results show the main physical feature such as upward movement of propeller slipstream in portside vise versa in starboard side. The streaklines from one blade position are traced and compared with the flow visualization using air bubbles. The results show very similar trends. Those comparisons show the conclusion that the present approach can simulate qualitatively the steady part of the flow field around a rudder in propeller slipstream.