Propeller Blade Shape Optimization with a Hybrid BEMT/CFD Approach

A propeller blade shape optimization is performed. The design process is divided into two parts: A preliminary design study applying the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) and a detailed aerodynamic analysis by means of 3D CFD simulations. The fast modeling with the BEMT allows to cover a wide range of the design space and to investigate the basic blade shape. Within this step, the chord and twist distribution are optimized. Additionally, an airfoil optimization for different radial sections of the propeller blade is conducted. For this purpose 2D Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are performed. In the next step, the preliminary design study is analyzed in more detail through 3D RANS simulations and further optimization potential is revealed.     «

A propeller blade shape optimization is performed. The design process is divided into two parts: A preliminary design study applying the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) and a detailed aerodynamic analysis by means of 3D CFD simulations. The fast modeling with the BEMT allows to cover a wide range of the design space and to investigate the basic blade shape. Within this step, the chord and twist distribution are optimized. Additionally, an airfoil optimization for different radial sections o...     »