NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A GEAR

To navigate safely, the ship must be manoeuvrable and have good stability. The steering of the ship depends on a number of factors such as: the means of steering used, the geometric shapes of the hull (stern area), the ratios between the main dimensions (LCWL/B and B/T), the number, position and direction of rotation of the engine. and the hydro-meteorological conditions in which they sail (water, air, wind, waves). Every ship, with the exception of barges, must have a robust and safe steering system to ensure manoeuvrability and sea stability. These installations can be: rudder with hydrodynamic profile, installation with adjustable nozzles and other installations approved by the Classification Societies. In this particular study an analysis on a gear pump fitted in the azimuth system of a chemical tanker is being made, using a CFD technology. The main aim is to study the efficiency of this pump by comparing the CFD analysis results with the results in real operational condition. Main parameters focused on are outlet flow, suction column, power and pump efficiency. There are several differences registered in the case of suction column and power, but they are not that high, while parameters outlet flow and pump efficiency are almost identical.