Abstract:

Characteristic parameters of a propeller restrict and interact with each other. They jointly determine hydrodynamics, cavitation, and vibration of a propeller. We perform its optimization design with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm as a tool, panel method, DTRC 4382 propeller as a model and skew and rake as optimization variables. Skew and rake are settled with Bessel curve fitting. We further analyze hydrodynamic property of original and optimized propellers with the efficiency of a propeller as an optimization objective.We increase the efficiency of a propeller, improve its pressure distribution, and well inhibit its cavitation.

Key words: skew, panel method, rake, PSO, propeller