Investigation into propeller skew using a 'RANS' code. Part 1: Model scale

The effect of propeller blade skew has been investigated numerically using two model propellers with different skew distributions. The predictions were obtained using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stoke Solver (RANS) code. The propulsion predictions from the RANS code agreed well with the model test propulsion experiments. The full three dimensional flow field was investigated and shows the complex nature of the flow around both straight and skewed propeller blades. The differences in blade surface static pressure showed the skewed propeller blade to have reduced loading in the leading edge region. The effect of design camber was also investigated and showed that care is required in the selection of the design camber so as to obtain the required propulsion performance.