Hydrodynamic Performance Analysis of Toroidal Propeller

The toroidal propeller, due to its unique structure, exhibits enhanced propulsion efficiency and reduced underwater noise. To investigate its operational mechanism, the hydrodynamic performance of the toroidal propeller was analyzed under various advance coefficients using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology. The geometric model of an toroidal propeller is established, and the numerical model utilizes structured grid technology. The E779A propeller is employed as a case study to validate the computational model, and a grid independence test is conducted. The surface pressure distribution and velocity field of a toroidal propeller under various operating conditions were investigated based on a numerical model, leading to the development of an open water performance curve for the toroidal propeller. The results indicate that the toroidal propeller achieves its maximum propulsion efficiency within the range of advance coefficient ${J}={1. 0 - 1. 2}$. At lower advance coefficients, the toroidal propeller exhibits stronger thrust performance, with the front propeller generating greater thrust than the rear propeller pressure.