Numerical Study on the Influence of Geometric Parameters on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Cycloidal Propellers

With its unique kinematics mechanism, marine cycloidal propellers can significantly improve the maneuverability of vessels. Based on the NACA3412 airfoil, a three-dimensional cycloidal propeller was established, and the accuracy of numerical simulation was verified by grid convergence analysis. The impacts of blade number and span-chord ratio on the hydrodynamic performance of cycloidal propellers are studied in present study. In addition, present research focuses on the interaction between blades and between blades and flow fields. Results reveal that the mutual interference between the blades of cycloidal propellers can be improved by optimizing parameters such as the blade number and span-chord ratio. Thus, the hydrodynamic performance of cycloidal propeller can be improved.