OpenProp: an open-source parametric design and analysis tool for propellers

Abstract

OpenProp is an open-source computational tool for the design and analysis of optimized propellers and turbines. The numerical model is based on the vortex lattice lifting line methods utilized by the US Navy as well as commercial designers. The code is written in Matlab M-code, which is widely used in academia and industry. The code includes analysis capability to estimate the performance curve of a given design for use in off-design performance prediction. In addition, a module to generate cavitation bucket diagrams for cavitation analysis is presented. Examples of designs are presented including validation comparisons and examples of actual parts fabricated from the code using 3D printing technology. As a case study, we present the design and analysis of a propeller for an electrically-driven destroyer-sized twin-screw vessel. Herein, we explore the redesign of a propeller for a higher shaft rotation rate, in order to investigate the impacts on motor sizing within the limits of cavitation. Offdesign propeller performance is also predicted to aid in modeling the hydrodynamic performance and fuel usage of the ship operating over its typical operational profile.