Tunnel tests on supercavitating propellers 1

Abstract

This paper presents the results of tests on several supercavitating propeller models (Ø = 42 cm) with different profiles. The tests were carried out in the NSIVIB $90\times 90$ cm cavitation tunnel with homogeneous flow. The propellers were designed mainly according to the method as outlined by Tachmindji. The results show a considerable shortage in effective pitch and efficiency. The effect of the tunnel walls on the measured propeller characteristics was examined by testing three geometrically similar models with diameters of 30, 36 and 42 cm respectively.

Based on the very small differences in results it can be concluded that no significant tunnel wall interference occurs.