Influence of laminar-to-turbulent transition on model scale propeller performances. Part I: fully wetted conditions

The influence of the laminar-to-turbulent boundary layer transition on model scale propellers characteristics is investigated using the γ-Reθ model. OpenFOAM and StarCCM+ RANSE solversare used for the investigation, which is carried out for two test cases. Available measurements at a sufficiently low rate of shaft revolution (i.e. Reynolds number)are used to assess the capabilities of the model in improving model scale predictions. This first part of the study is focused on fully wetted conditions, considering the influence of grid resolution and inflow turbulent intensity on the transition onset predicted by the model. The influence of the laminar-to-turbulent transition on the inception and development of cavitation, and the capabilities of predicting such phenomena using a modified mass transfer model, are discussed in the second part of the study (Gaggero, 2020. Influence of Laminar-to-Turbulent transition on model scale propeller performances. Part II: cavitating conditions. Ship and Offshore Structures).