Introduction of supercomputer-based optimization methods to waterjet design

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This study discusses fast boats and waterjet propulsors. The purpose is to design a waterjet impeller shape to required conditions by means of supercomputer-based optimization with further validation of results at sea trials. Materials and methods. The optimization process is governed by a Russian software package pSeven. The computa-tion core is Star CCM+ (Siemens). Parametric 3D model of the impeller is generated in BladePlus software (in-house KSRC development). Hydrodynamic parameters of waterjet are calculated as per CFD methods. Viscous flow parameters are found through the control-volume solution of unsteady Reynolds equations (URANS) closed by the bi-parametric semi-empirical turbulence model. Main results. The optimization studies yielded new shapes for impellers, stators and flow parts of waterjets. These solu-tions are more efficient than the prototype thanks to greater thrust of the propulsion system and lower resistance of the flow part without prejudice to good cavitation performance. Calculated hydrodynamic parameters of waterjets and the estimates for achievable speed of fast boats have been confirmed by the sea trials. Conclusion. Supercomputer optimization ensured successful beginning of the development of Russian waterjet family for fast boats not inferior to universally recognized market leaders in terms of performance parameters.