A procedure for optimizing cavitating blades in a given wake

The blade geometry of a cavitating propeller in a given wake is optimized to maximize propeller efficiency and minimize propeller induced pressure fluctuations. The Keller criterion, the cavity volume and other constraints are considered in the optimization process. Such constraints are cavity area, cavity length and face side pressure and they are switched on separately or simultaneously to investigate their influence on cavitation and efficiency. Optimization is made starting from a near optimum propeller as well as from an off-design propeller. Results indicate that the present optimization technique can yield higher efficiency and lower pressure amplitude with tolerable cavitation for a cavitating propeller in a given wake