Study On The Hydrodynamic Characteristics And Experimental Design Of Variable Vector Propeller

A variable vector propeller, called the "Varivec Propeller", is under development as a new propulsion system for the undersea robot. The Varivec Propeller is a kind of specific propeller that is capable of continuously generating any degree of thrust in any three dimensional direction by varying blades' pitches cyclically in the process of rotation.Submarine is one of the most important facilities in ocean exploitation and research. With the development of submarine it requires lighter, smaller fittings, and meanwhile must satisfy the maneuverability demand. By using this type of propeller, it certainly seems to be able to reduce propellers and consequently to contribute to the compactness and the light weight of submarine, etc. It will be applied widely in ocean engineering area.There are two emphases in the paper, namely, theoretic calculation and design of experiment.In the first part, first, the operational principle of Varivec Propeller is explained. Secondly, the mathematical model for predicting longitudinal and transverse movement hydrodynamic characteristics of Varivec Propeller under steady or unsteady condition are present, based on the general propeller lifting-surface theory, potential flow theory and Green theorem. Thirdly, theoretical calculation methods for predicting hydrodynamic characteristics when the influence of paraboloidal boss on the performance of Varivec Propeller is or isn't considered are present, based on The finite basic solution method, the unsteady vortex lattice method and Hess-Smith methodDifferent rake angle is adopted according to different desire in practical application. The hydrodynamic characteristics of Varivec Propeller with rake angle of zero degree. 15 degrees. 30 degrees and 45 degrees are computed respectively in order to find out the influence of rake angle on hydrodynamic characteristics this kind of propeller, and comparisons are made among the results.In the second part, the device of open water experiment of Varivec Propeller is present in the paper. In addition, the data needed to survey and the equation concerned are present.The prediction method and the testers proposed in this paper can be used for theoretical design, engineering application and test respectively.