Automated CFD Tools for the Design of Marine Propulsion Systems

Overview

This technical paper presents automated CFD simulation tools developed using HELYX and integrated into the propulsor modelling suite AKPA developed by SINTEF Ocean. The work focuses on enabling robust and efficient CFD workflows for the design and analysis of marine propulsion systems.

The automated framework supports the complete simulation workflow, including geometry preparation, mesh generation, solver configuration, simulation execution and post-processing. The approach enables CFD to be integrated directly into propulsor design processes.

Validation studies demonstrate the accuracy of the methodology through comparisons with experimental data for marine propulsion systems operating under different conditions.

Abstract

This paper describes automated CFD simulation tools developed based on the open-source CFD package HELYX by ENGYS for the use as a part of the design workflow in the propulsor modelling software AKPA by SINTEF Ocean. Geometry preparation, meshing and solution best practices are discussed, and the two validation examples are considered, dealing with propeller cavitation under varying loading conditions and characteristics of an azimuth ducted thruster at different off-design pitch setting of controllable pitch propeller.

What This Paper Covers

• Automated CFD workflows for marine propulsion system design
• Integration of HELYX within the AKPA propulsor modelling suite
• Automated geometry preparation and mesh generation for propeller simulations
• RANS-based modelling of viscous flow and cavitation effects
• Validation against experimental marine propulsion data