Modal and Harmonic Response Analysis of INSEAN E779A Marine Propeller Under Hydrodynamic Loading

In this study, numerical simulations are carried out to determine the open water performance of the INSEAN E779A marine propeller. On the other hand, modal and harmonic response analysis under hydrodynamic loading are carried out by using unidirectional approach by coupling the ANSYS Mechanical and the ANSYS CFX codes. The finite element model of the propeller has been constructed. By using this model, the dynamic characteristics of the blade have been analysed. The first 12 natural frequencies under nominal operating conditions, and the harmonic response of the exciting fluid pressures, are obtained. During Fluid-Structure Interaction, the flow around the propeller can lead to excitation of the resonance. The calculated open water performances in terms of thrust and torque coefficients correspond very well to the experimental data for a wide range of the advance coefficient. The results obtained show that the operating frequencies of the INSEAN E779A marine propeller are much lower than the resonant frequencies, so resonant conditions are easily avoided.