Prediction of Lateral Loads of a Propeller in Oblique Flow by CFD Method

Significant lateral loads on the propeller can be produced under oblique flow conditions, which is critical to the integrity and safety of a ship's stern tube bearing. This paper investigates the effect of oblique flow on lateral loads of a propeller in open water condition based on CFD method. Firstly, the paper provides the theoretical basis for appear the lateral loads of a propeller when working in oblique flow. Then, PPTC propeller was employed as case study. The open water condition is simulated for different inclining angle range of 0 to 120. The numerical obtained results indicated that, the lateral loads increase with the oblique flow increasing, and the hydrodynamic forces acted on each propeller blades will be changed over time depending on the relative position of propeller blade as well as the attack angle to the propeller blade. Finally, the paper provides details of flow characteristics around the propeller at different oblique flow angles to explain the change in lateral loads of a propeller when changing the inclining angle.