Performance Assessment of the Waterjet Propulsion System through a Combined Analytical and Numerical Approach

Parviz Ghadimi^1, , Roya Shademani¹ and Mahdi Yousefi Fard¹

¹Department of Marine Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Cite this paper:
Parviz Ghadimi, Roya Shademani and Mahdi Yousefi Fard. Performance Assessment of the Waterjet Propulsion System through a Combined Analytical and Numerical Approach. International Journal of Physics. 2013; 1(2):22-27. doi: 10.12691/ijp-1-2-1

Abstract

The application of waterjets is rapidly growing and they are increasingly being chosen for propulsion in high-speed crafts. Waterjet as a propulsion system of a vessel is also favorable when it comes to maneuvering, appendage drag, draft and fuel consumption at high speeds. Furthermore, waterjet system has recently gained more credibility for its acceptable efficiency because of the advent of more efficient and large pumps. This type of propulsion system consists of many components working together harmoniously, thus establishing a complex system. A significant problem facing designers when predicting performance of the waterjet is the interaction between the hull and the waterjet. This paper describes the powering performance of a vessel equipped with a waterjet system. The interaction between the hull and waterjet is studied in order to predict the powering characteristics. The work starts with an introduction of the waterjet and a review of its current status in design and analysis. Subsequently, hydrodynamic properties of its components are computed and interactions among them are analyzed. Finally, numerical computation is performed for acquiring pressure distribution by a two dimensional computer code in the suction area of the waterjet inlet to predict the possible occurrence of cavitation for the inlet duct.

Keywords:
waterjet inlet flow numerical analysis cavitation propulsion system

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