Narrow Results

In order to reveal the operating characteristics of the pumpjet propulsor, standard $k$–$𝜀$, standard $k$–$\omega$, RNG $k$–$𝜀$ and SST $k$–$\omega$ turbulence models were used to conduct steady calculation for the whole flow channels. By comparing the calculation results with experimental data, it was found that the calculation errors were very large in some operating conditions. Therefore, the uncertainty analysis was carried out at all operating conditions of the pumpjet propulsor and the error source was finally determined that it is mainly derived from the model error. Then, the applicability of different turbulence models was analyzed to numerical simulation for the pumpjet propulsor by comparing the internal and external characteristics. It can be seen that the strong turbulent kinetic energy in the guide vane will inevitably cause energy loss, but not necessarily in the impeller. In this area, the increase of turbulent kinetic energy will enhance the mixing and transport of fluids, and the impeller makes the fluids get more energy. In addition, a modified hybrid Reynolds Average Numerical Simulation/Large Eddy Simulation (RANS/LES) model was proposed for unsteady calculation, and the performances, internal flow states and the interaction between the pump and the outer region were further revealed under various conditions of the pumpjet propulsor, which provides some references for predicting accurately and selecting conditions optimally in the future.

Previous studies show that the tip clearance loss limits the improvement of turbomachinery performance, and it is roughly in close relation with the gap size. In this study, a pumpjet propulsor (PJP) with different sizes of tip clearances ($\delta =0.2$, 0.5, 1, 2, 3mm) has been presented to investigate the influence of tip clearances on PJP. This analysis is based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method, and the SST k-$\omega$ turbulence model is applied. Calculations are carried out with a worldwide employed ducted propeller (the Ka4-70 propeller in 19A duct) to verify the numerical simulation. And the grid independence validation is discussed. The numerical simulation of PJP flow with different tip clearances is carried out. Results show that the open water efficiency decreases gradually with the increase of tip clearance. The efficiency decreasing is caused by the tip flow loss. The shape of tip vortex of PJP which consisted of tip-separation vortex and tip-leakage vortex is presented. Furthermore, the formation and spread process of tip vortex at different tip clearances are discussed. Then, the effect of different tip clearances on the pressure field of rotor blade is investigated. The main pressure area affected by different tip clearances is mainly concentrated in the area above 0.9 spanwise of the suction side of rotor blade. Beyond that, the effects of different tip clearances on the velocity field of PJP has been studied.