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Propeller CFD & FSI – Blade Loading & Structural Response in a Vessel Wake

Pressure distribution on hull-propeller-rudder configuration for FSI computations

A marine propeller operating behind a vessel is exposed to a highly non-uniform and unsteady inflow. The hull, skeg, shaft and supporting structures modify the local wake field, while transient flow structures introduce additional variations in the instantaneous propeller inflow. Coupled CFD and fluid–structure interaction are used to investigate how these hydrodynamic conditions translate into individual blade loads and elastic structural response.

Bow Thruster Grid Design – Reducing Vessel Resistance through Grid Orientation

Bow Thruster Grid Design

Protective grids at bow-thruster openings interact with the external hull flow and can therefore influence vessel resistance. Aligning the grid bars with the incoming flow appears to be the hydrodynamically favourable solution, as it minimises the direct resistance of the grid itself. The CFD analysis showed that the overall behaviour is governed by more than the grid resistance alone. The transverse grid orientation changed the flow through the bow-thruster tunnel and the surrounding pressure distribution, ultimately resulting in the lowest overall vessel resistance.

FloatModular – JRP by thyssenkrupp Carbon2Chem, INAM and ESOS Wind GmbH launched

FloatModular – JRP by thyssenkrupp Carbon2Chem, INAM and ESOS Wind GmbH launched

On August 1st 2024, the BMWK-funded research project FloatStructure officially started. Andreas supports ESOS Wind GmbH in the conceptual implementation of the project. It forms part of the collaborative research initiative FloatModular, which aims to develop new floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) concepts based on a modular and scalable support structure adaptable to different water depths and turbine sizes.

conmecs supports Siemens Energy in R&D project

conmecs supports Siemens Energy in R&D project

Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG is a leading global company that offers services for energy generation and transmission with a strong focus on renewable energies and solutions for the decarbonization of existing customer processes. Siemens Energy’s maritime division offers effective podded drives (PODs) for the shipping industry. Recently, Siemens Energy asked conmecs to support the CFD investigations in a R&D project.

rudder loads

Propeller Rudder Interaction

The design of rudders are usually based on class society rules. The required, minimum rudder area is estimated in relation to the ship’s wetted lateral hull area. Rudder profiles come from old, successful shipbuilding projects. Rudder designs are often developed by another supplier, regardless of the propeller manufacturer. The positioning hull-propeller-rudder is traditionally based on experience from old projects.

smoke gas propagation

exhaust gas propagation of cruiser vessel during warm-up of engine

The exhaust emissions from ships are not only discussed in terms of GHG (greenhouse gas) reductions. The operators of offshore supply vessels (OSV) are concerned about their technical employees who work primarily on deck and are exposed to the exhaust. In addition to these health matters, yacht and cruise ship operators want to avoid that passengers be disrupted by the smell of exhaust gases.