Effect of Model Propeller Trailing Edge Details on Powering Performance

Abstract

Until recently, model propellers tested at the US Navy's David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB) incorporated relatively sharp trailing edges without fall scale features such as anti-singing trailing edges. These propellers have shown good agreement between design calculations and model measurements. With the advent of NURBS surface representation of model propeller geometry, new propeller models have been manufactured with fall scale trailing edge details. Problems have arisen in achieving predicted open water performance. Discrepancies have been attributed to trailing edge flows over beveled edges, and variations in trailing edge shape due to manufacturing problems. The analysis included detailed trailing edge measurements, an open water test. and panel method computations.