A COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF CONTRAROTATING PROPELLERS

This report presents a new computer program that can be used to design and predict the performance of contrarotating propellers. The new propeller utilizes the latest numerical computation techniques developed for the design of contrarotating propellers. The hydrodynamic pitch angle distribution is specified as input and the design calculations are made using Lerb's moderately loaded single screw lifting line propeller theory. The propeller interaction effects (the most important new feature of the design procedure) are obtained using Kerwin's field point velocity program developed using finite bladed lifting surface theory. An analysis of results obtained for a sample set of contrarotating propellers, designed using the new method presented, show that different design and performance predictions are obtained for the aft propellers when results are compared to those calculated using the old method. Calculations made using the new design method are considered more accurate due to the improved method of determining the propeller interaction effects. A FORTRAN listing of the new propeller, developed to run on the computer at the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center (DTNSRDC) is presented as well as input and output obtained for a sample set of contrarotating propeller designs. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center

  Ship Performance Department
  Bethesda, MD  United States  20084
• Authors:
  • Caster, E B
  • LaFone, T A
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 153 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic lift; Computer aided design; Computer programs; Contrarotating propellers; Hydrodynamics; Marine diesel engines; Pitch (Dynamics); Propeller blades; Propellers; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: FORTRAN (Computer program language)
• Old TRIS Terms: Computer programs (Propellers); Lifting line theory; Marine propellers; Marine propulsion; Propeller design
• Subject Areas: Design; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146014
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: SPD-596-01 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM