Computational Analysis of Two Correlation Based Transition-Sensitive Models on a Model Scale Marine Propeller

Laminar to turbulent transition, that usually occurs at low Reynolds number and low freestream turbulence intensity, plays an important role in the model scale propeller open water test. Two correlation based transition models, gamma model and gamma-Re model, were implemented into OpenFOAM and validated against a series of flat plate tests and an airfoil using OpenFOAM and the commercial package Fluent. Then the models were used for a model scale marine propeller open water simulation. The results show a good agreement with experimental data, and for the propeller open water simulation, the predicted force components and efficiency were improved compared to the k-omega SST turbulence model and revealed different near-blade flow structures.