Abstract
In order to investigate the influence of thru holes near leading edge of model propeller on cavitation behavior, a model propeller with thru holes was manufactured and tested at Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT). The pressure distribution around the thru hole on propeller blade was numerically calculated to help understand the local flow characteristics related to cavitation behavior. The model propeller is a five bladed propeller which has 2 blades with thru holes and 3 blades with smooth surface. The cavitation observation tests were conducted at angles of $0^{\circ}$ & $6^{\circ}$ using an inclined-shaft dynamometer in LCT. There are big difference on the suction side cavitation behavior each other due to the existence of thru hole. While the blades with thou holes start generation of the sheet cavitation from the leading edge on the suction side, the blades with smooth surface generate the cloud cavitation from the mid-chord. Cavitation on the blades with thru holes shows more similar behavior to those of the full-scale propeller of which the pipe line for air injection is closed. The numerical analysis result shows that the sharp pressure drop occurs around thru holes on the blade. Consequently, the thru hole around leading edge stimulates the cavitation occurrence and stabilizes the cavitation behavior. Based on these results, the effect of thru holes on propeller cavitation behavior behind a model ship should be studied in the future.