Theoretical and Numerical Hydromechanics Analysis of Self-Pitching Propellers

The development of design-oriented modelling techniques to predict Self-Pitching Propellers (SPP) hydrodynamic and dynamic behaviour is here addressed. Two hydrodynamics approaches are described and validated against literature data. Both Controllable-Pitch propellers (CPP) and SPP test cases are considered. In addition a general theoretical Reduced Order Model (ROM) for blade hydrodynamics unsteady loads is proposed to investigate blade equilibrium stability. Numerical results are shown in terms of performance, spindle moment and pitch setting equilibrium conditions.