| This study investigates the applicability of larger scale testing of a waterjet system using a wind tunnel.;In addition to physical testing, computer simulations have emerged as a valid method for evaluating the behaviour of fluids and performance of equipment. Physical experimentation forms an integral part of any CFD simulation as the accuracy of simulation results is obtained through validation against experimental data. Once validated, however, the numerical code is capable of providing engineering quantities such as force, velocity and pressure, at a level of detail not possible through physical experimentation.;The focus of this research was to study the applicability of CFD analysis to waterjet testing and to evaluate the propulsion performance of a waterjet unit using CFD simulation validated by experimental results. A full-scale waterjet was tested at the Memorial University of Newfoundland wind tunnel, and numerical analysis was achieved with CFX 5.6RTM CFD software. Once validated, the CFD simulation was used to predict the propulsion performance of the waterjet unit using the momentum flux method. This thesis presents a comparison of the CFD predictions and the wind tunnel tests. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
