Numerical Study of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics Comparison between a Ducted Propeller and a Rim-Driven Thruster

The Rim-Driven Thruster (RDT) is an extraordinary innovation in marine propulsion applications. The structure of an RDT resembles a Ducted Propeller (DP), as both contain several propeller blades and a duct shroud. However, unlike the DP, there is no tip clearance in the RDT as the propeller is directly connected to the rim. Instead, a gap clearance exists in the RDT between the rim and the duct. The distinctive difference in structure between the DP and the RDT causes significant discrepancy in the performance and flow features. The present work compares the hydrodynamic performance of a DP and an RDT by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations are solved in combination with an SST k-ω turbulence model. Validation and verification of the CFD model is conducted to ensure the numerical accuracy. Steady-state simulations are carried out for a wide range of advance coefficients with the Moving Reference Frame (MRF) approach. The results show that the gap flow in the RDT plays an important role in affecting the performance. Compared to the DP, the RDT produces less thrust on the propeller and duct, and, because of the existence of the rim, the overall efficiency of the RDT is significantly lower than the one of the ducted propeller.