Analysis of Hydrodynamics of Underwater Vehicles with Different Propeller Configurations

Underwater propeller performance is critically influenced by the coupled effects of geometric parameters, yet existing studies predominantly focus on single-variable optimizations, neglecting diameter-blade number synergies. This study addresses this gap through URANS-based CFD simulations with the SST k − ω turbulence model, systematically analyzing propellers with diameters (120/200 mm) and blade numbers (2-4) across advance coefficients (J=0.1-0.5). Results reveal that while 4-blade configurations increase thrust by 35.1% at J=0.1, they incur 51.2% higher torque penalties. Small-Diameter (120 mm) 3-blade propellers achieve peak efficiency (η=0.295) at J=0.4, whereas large-diameter (200 mm) 4-blade designs demonstrate superior high-J efficiency (η=0.350), outperforming conventional configurations by 14.6%. The developed parametric framework provides a methodology for multi-objective optimization of marine propulsion systems, balancing thrust demands with operational efficiency.