On the effect of vortex generators on the flow field around a tanker scale model: A stereo-PIV investigation

This work presents the results of an experimental campaign aimed at evaluating improvements in the hydrodynamic performance of the state-of-art single screw propeller ship. In particular, the effect on introducing appendages to modify the hull boundary layer incoming to the propeller plane is here addressed. Two layouts of vortex generators, characterized by fins in the same position but at different inclination, 25.6° and 7.6° angle degrees with respect to the waterline, have been investigated; to study the effects of such devices, a stereoscopic PIV measurement campaign on a tanker scale model, ? = 16.5, has been performed at the selected speed of 14 knots. For all the studied conditions, the distribution of the mean velocity components, vorticity fields and statistical data have been calculated. Copyright © 2014 by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers (ISOPE).