Performance Prediction of a Nozzle Propeller

Nozzle, or ducted, propellers are most commonly used when high efficiency is required at low speed of the vessel. However, normally with a nozzle fitted that accelerates propeller inflow, its blades take a larger risk of cavitation. This paper examines the performance of a nozzle propeller configuration in terms of open water and thrust breakdown characteristics by both experimental and conventional RANS CFD methods. Combining the merits of EFD and CFD, the results reveal some promising features as well as challenges in performance predictions of nozzle propellers