CFD analysis of propeller-rudder interaction

Interaction of the vortex systems detached from a propeller with a rudder installed in its wake is investigated by CFD. The correct prediction of this phenomenon is of great interest in naval hydrodynamics research, it being the source of irradiated noise and vibratory loads. The phenomenology is addressed by simulating a single bladed propeller (INSEAN E779A) and a rudder characterized by a rectangular plane area and symmetric sectional shape (NACA0020 profiles). The main focus is on the hydro-loads developed by the rudder and their correlation with the different phases of the interaction of the tip vortex with the rudder. The phenomenon is also investigated, through a preliminary computation on a coarser mesh, on the actual propeller geometry (4-bladed).