Cavitation erosion risk assessment on a full-scale steerable thruster

Propeller cavitation erosion prediction at an early design stage is becoming more and important since it one of the key constraints in search for maximum propeller efficiency. Despite experience from model tests, research on actual ship scale very limited. In this study, attempt made to assess risk blades a full-scale steerable thruster tug boat. Pressure side was detected board three different designs. For first time, analysis performed ship-scale, using rigorous potential energy approach, which accounts focusing collapse center during cavity collapse. A full sensitivity study has been blade surface accumulated energy. The shows designs applied vessel, operating conditions, by looking specific blade. locations high that show good resemblance with damage real blades.