Regression Models of 3D Wakes for Propellers

Abstract: In this work, regression models for the wake field entering a propeller at certain axial andnominal position have been proposed. Wakes are non-uniform flows following a body immersedin a viscous fluid. We have proposed models for the axial and tangential velocity distribution asfunctions of ship hull and propeller measures. The regression models were modelled using Fourierseries and parameter estimations based on skewed-Gaussian and sine functions. The wake fieldis an important parameter in propeller design. The regression models are based on experimentaldata provided by the Rolls-Royce Hydrodynamic Research Center in Kristinehamn. Also we havestudied the flow in the axial velocity distribution in the propeller plane using the coherent structurecoloring method. The coherent structure coloring is used to study coherent patterns by looking atfluid particle kinematics. Using this type of analysis, we observed that the velocity distributionbehaves kinematically similar in the different regions of the wake distribution, which according tothe coherent structure coloring indicate coherence.