Numerical Investigation of a Pumpjet Propulsor Based on CFD

In this study an attempt has been made to study the hydrodynamic performance of pumpjet propulsor. Numerical investigation based on the Reynolds Averaged NavierStokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method using structured grid, SST kω turbulence model has been carried out. The grid independence inspection is applied to verify accuracy of numerical simulation. The numerical predictions of hydrodynamic performance for pumpjet propulsor are carried out with different advance ratios. Results show that the coefficient curves of thrust and torque that indicates the rotor provides the main thrust of propulsor and the balance performance of propulsor is generally satisfactory. Additionally, the curve of propulsor efficiency is in good agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, the pressure distributions around rotor and stator blades are reasonable. Beyond that, the existence of tip clearance accounts for the appearance of tip vortex that leads to a further loss in efficiency and a probability of cavitation phenomenon. .