Development of hybrid method for the prediction of underwater propeller noise

• Published in: Journal of sound and vibration Vol. 288; no. 1; pp. 345 - 360
• Main Authors: Seol, Hanshin, Suh, Jung-Chun, Lee, Soogab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acoustics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Linear acoustics; Physics; Underwater sound; Time domain method; Blades; Cavity; Panel method; Far field; Potential method; Ship; Sound source; Screw propeller; Underwater acoustics; Noise control; Modeling
• ISSN: 0022-460X; 1095-8568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsv.2005.01.015

Noise reduction and control is an important problem in the performance of underwater acoustic systems and in the habitability of the passenger ship for crew and passenger. Furthermore, sound generated by a propeller is critical in underwater detection and it is often related to the survivability of the vessel especially for military purpose. This paper presents a numerical study on the non-cavitating and blade sheet cavitation noises of the underwater propeller. A brief summary of numerical method with verification and results are presented. The noise is predicted using time-domain acoustic analogy. The flow field is analyzed with potential-based panel method, and then the time-dependent pressure and sheet cavity volume data are used as the input for Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings formulation to predict the far-field acoustics. Noise characteristics are presented according to noise sources and conditions. Through this study, the dominant noise source of the underwater propeller is analyzed, which will provide a basis for proper noise control strategies.