Re-Designing of Modern Propellers with Biomimetic Leading-Edge Profiles

From left: Typical Propeller; Ducted Propeller; Computer Fan with Noise Reduction Edges; Computer Fan with Leadingedge Tubercles
As the Mother Nature always does, this time the Humpback Whale flippers indicate the potential improvements for foil-based devices,like propellers, rudders and so on. This project is to explore the application on marine propellers. This project is going to re-design, optimise and demonstrate the application on modern marine propellers. Potential application targets were identified, such as:
- High speed propellers,
- Controllable pitch propeller,
- Tip loaded propellers
- Ducted propellers
- Etc.
- Improved efficiency in off-design condition;
- Improved performance to suit flow behind hull;
- Constrain the cavitation development;
- Reduce the underwater radiated noise level;
- Improved bollard pull performance
For more information about the project contact Dr Weichao Shi (weichao.shi@strath.ac.uk), Lecturer at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
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