Abstract
In order to investigate Propeller Open Water (POW) characteristics for the high-speed propeller in Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT), the high-capacity inclined-shaft dynamometer was designed and manufactured. Its measuring capacities of thrust and torque are ${\pm}2200N$ and ${\pm}120N-m$, respectively. The driving motor is directly connected to the propeller shaft. Inclined angle of the propeller shaft can be adjusted up to ${\pm}10^{\circ}$. As the pressure inside LCT can be adjusted in the range of 0.1~3.0bar, we can carry out the POW test at high Reynolds number (above $1.0{\times}10^6$) without propeller cavitation and the cavitation test in uniform flow. After the new dynamometer setup in LCT, the Reynolds number variation test and propeller open-water test were conducted at the inclined angle of $0^{\circ}$ and $6^{\circ}$. The present POW results of the new dynamometer are compared with those of the existing high-capacity dynamometer in LCT and of the dynamometer in the towing-tank. Through systematic model tests and comparison with their results, the performance of the new inclined-shaft dynamometer was verified. It is thought the POW test for the high-speed propeller should be better conducted at high Reynolds number.
