Study on the relevance between blade parameters and underwater radiated noise for rim-driven thruster

Objectives To examine how blade design parameters impact the hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic performance of a rim-driven thruster. Methods The evaluation of the rim-driven thruster’s performance utilized a hybrid approach of the URANS/IDDES/LES solver combined with the P-FWH equations under uniform flow and non-cavitation conditions. The discussion focuses on the evolution of its wake. Results For propulsion efficiency greater than 55%, the sound pressure level in the 500Hz band is below 90dB in the design scheme. The blade pitch is mainly distributed in the range of 1.2D to 1.6D, and the blade tip chord length is mainly distributed in the range of 0.25D to 0.3D. Conclusions This study supports the design efficiency of rim-driven thrusters.