Dummy test rig design for in-hull propulsors of underwater objects

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This research was intended to design and manufacture a dummy test rig for self-propulsion testing of various in-hull propulsors. This test rig will be used to test waterjet designs for underwater objects. Materials and methods. Analytical assessments on geometry of propeller and stator blades, numerical simulation of operational condition for two-row blade system operating in the water duct as per in-house KSRC techniques. Main results. Interaction of internal waterjets with the hull of underwater object has never been studied before. To estimate this interaction, it was decided to perform self-propulsion tests with a suitable hull model. This work included design and manufacturing of a dummy test rig representing a hull of underwater object and enabling hydrodynamic measurements for an in-hull waterjet. Another result of this work was design and manufacturing of a four-row in-hull propulsion unit. Conclusion. The dummy test rig manufactured in this work could be further used to optimize in-hull waterjets of various configurations. Apart from the configuration described in this paper, it could also be feasible to design, manufacture and apply a combined rim-driven propulsion motor in the initial part of the water duct.