Thesis R4

FLOW VISUALIZATION OF THE VENTILATED CAVITIES AND SPRAY
PATTERN GENERATED BY A SURFACE PIERCING PROPELLER
by
Luis Altamirano
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of
The College of Engineering and Computer Science
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
Florida Atlantic University
Dania Beach, Florida
May 2010
FLOW VISUALIZATION OF THE VENTILATED CAVITIES AND SPRAY
PATTERN GENERATED BY A SURFACE PIERCING PROPELLER
by
Luis Altamirano
This thesis was prepared under the direction of the candidate’s thesis advisor, Dr. Karl
von Ellenrieder, Department of Ocean & Mechanical Engineering, and has been
approved by the members of his supervisory committee. It was submitted to the faculty
of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and was accepted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE:
___________________________
Karl von Ellenrieder, Ph.D.
Thesis Advisor
___________________________
Manhar Dhanak, Ph.D.
Director of Seatech
___________________________
P. Ananthakrishnan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
______________________________________
Manhar Dhanak, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Ocean & Mechanical Engineering
______________________________________
Karl K. Stevens, Ph.D., P.E.
Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
______________________________________ ________________________
Barry T. Rosson, Ph.D. Date
Dean, Graduate College
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like express my gratitude to my advisor Dr. Karl von Ellenrieder as well
as my supervisory committee who guided me to become a better engineer. I would like
to thank Justin Lorio for sharing his valuable effort in the process of designing the test
apparatus. I am truly thankful to Luis Padilla for patiently sharing his knowledge with
me in the machine shop. I would also like to thank Tom Furfaro for his substantial
contributions in the development of the code for taking measurement. Also to Phillip
Duerr as well as Dr. Raju Datla and Mike Morabito and the Stevens Institute of
Technology for all their important contributions to make this study possible.
iii
ABSTRACT
Author: Luis Altamirano
Title: Flow visualization of the ventilated cavities and spray pattern
generated by a surface piercing propeller
Institution: Florida Atlantic University
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Karl von Ellenrieder
Degree: Master of Science
Year: 2010
In the present study, images and videos of a surface piercing propeller tested at
yaw angles 0-30 degrees, pitch angles 0-15 degrees and propeller immersion ratios of
0.33 and 0.5 are analyzed. A complete sequence of image analysis is described based on
an existing method used to measure various parameters of the propeller wake. The
provided sequence is applied to experimentally obtained images through the use of a
computer algorithm written for this study. The values obtained from these
measurements are plotted and the results are compared with expectations based on
theory and past observations. Conclusions are made based on results as to the
importance of this study.
iv
DEDICATION
This thesis is dedicated to my family who was always remembered even though
they were physically far away. To Aniko Bahr for all her support during two years of
research and to Pony for all her patience and love.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................... ix
NOMENCLATURE......................................................................................................................... xv
1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Motivation and Approach .................................................................................................. 1

The motivation of the present study is to contribute to existing knowledge of SPPs as part a
collective effort with other scientists in the search for a reliable performance prediction
method that can be used as the new basis for SPP design. In ................................................. 1
particular, the present investigation started with ONR’s interest of using SPPs as an
alternative method of propulsion for the T-craft [4] which is a high speed vessel. The
approach is to conduct open water tests of variable orientations of the SPP with respect to
the water surface as defined in section 1.2: I, γ as in [5], Ψ and to produce flow depiction
and footage of these tests for further analysis. It is certain that flow visualizations of a SPP at
work will guide the development of a prediction method of SPPs.......................................... 2
1.2 Present Study ..................................................................................................................... 2
v
............................................... 4
1.3 Thesis Goals........................................................................................................................ 5
The first goal of the present thesis is to gather images of the wake of a SPP under various
conditions of...........................................................................................................5
The second goal is to produce video footage of the SPP in order to provide a description of the
spray pattern created at different testing conditions. Both images and footage
will be compared with expectations developed in chapter 3. Conclusions and
recommendations will be made based on the results obtained............................5
2. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD ..........................................................................................................6
2.1 Facility................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Testing Conditions .............................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Visualization System Setup................................................................................................. 7
2.3.1 Components ................................................................................................................ 7

vi
2.3.1.1 Cameras and Flash................................................................................................ 8
2.3.1.2 Video cameras.................................................................................................... 10
2.3.2 Camera Triggering System......................................................................................... 12

2.3.3 Video Triggering System............................................................................................ 14
2.4 Description of a Testing Run............................................................................................. 14
3. DATA PROCESSING ..................................................................................................................18
3.1 Expected Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 18
3.1.1 Expectations Based on a Theoretical Approach........................................................ 18

3.1.2 Expectations Based on Existing Observations........................................................... 21
3.2. Image Analysis................................................................................................................. 22
3.2.1. Image Analysis Sequence ......................................................................................... 23

3.2.2 Measurement of Wake Parameters.......................................................................... 25
3.2.2.1 Measurement of Cavity Width........................................................................... 25

3.2.2.2 Measurement of Wake Pitch, Wake Diameter and Wake Pitch ........................ 27
3.2.3 The Measuring Algorithm.......................................................................................... 28
3.3 Video Analysis................................................................................................................... 33
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................35
4.1 Wake Pitch, Wake Diameter and Wake Pitch Angle Measurement Results.................... 35
vii
LIST OF TABLES
Error! No table of contents entries found.
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Error! No table of contents entries found.
ix
NOMENCLATURE
d Ventilated cavity width
Cavity speed of closure
D Propeller diameter
Dw Diameter of trailing wake
I Immersion ratio
J Advance coefficient
Jscaled Advance coefficient scaled by velocity component along propeller shaft
n Propeller rate of revolution [Hz]
U Speed of advance of propeller
Pw Pitch of trailing edge
X Distance for triggering camera
γ Shaft inclination
Angular position of propeller blade
Φw Pitch angle of trailing wake
Ψ Yaw angle
x
1. INTRODUCTION
A surface-piercing propeller (SPP) is a propeller positioned so that each propeller
blade is out of the water for part of each revolution. A SPP is often recognized as one of
the most efficient propulsive devices for high-speed vessels. Its efficiency is primarily
attributed to the reduction of appendage drag, because most of the propeller assembly is
elevated above the water [1]. An additional advantage of using a SPP is that it eliminates
cavitation by replacing it with ventilation; the cyclic blade entry from air into the water
opens a ventilated cavity around the propeller which almost completely prevents the
occurrence of vapor cavitation [2] [3].
A drawback of using SPPs is that a complete performance prediction method is
still under development and even though SPPs are used largely in the boat racing
community, the design of SPPs is often performed in a trial-and-error basis.
1.1 Motivation and Approach
The motivation of the present study is to contribute to existing knowledge of
SPPs as part a collective effort with other scientists in the search for a reliable
performance prediction method that can be used as the new basis for SPP design. In
1
particular, the present investigation started with ONR’s interest of using SPPs as an
alternative method of propulsion for the T-craft [4] which is a high speed vessel. The
approach is to conduct open water tests of variable orientations of the SPP with
respect to the water surface as defined in section 1.2: I, γ as in [5], Ψ and to produce
flow depiction and footage of these tests for further analysis. It is certain that flow
visualizations of a SPP at work will guide the development of a prediction method of
SPPs.
1.2 Present Study
The present work is a joint research effort with master student Justin Lorio [6]. It
consists of 4 stages. The first stage is the design of a SPP testing apparatus that
automatically controls I , γ, and Ψ using fours motors as shown in figure 1.3. The
definition of the propeller parameters can be seen in figure 1.1. A more in depth
description of the design and functionality of the SPP testing apparatus can be found in
2
[6] and [7]. Based on the dimensions of the SPP used given in table 1.1 and those of the
towing tank used given in section 2.1, the effect of blockage can be neglected for the
present experiment according to [8].
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 1.1 - Definitions of (a) yaw angle Ψ and immersion ratio I = h/D, (b) shaft inclination angle γ,
and (c) SPP rate of revolution.
The second stage of the present project is the fabrication of the parts that form the
CAD model developed in stage 1. Three months of manufacturing are necessary to create
more than 75 parts that are assembled in stage three of the process. The finished assembly
is then mounted on a towing carriage described in section 2.1 as shown in figure 1.4.
Testing the assembly is the fourth stage and it is described in detail in chapter 2. The final
stage of the present study is data analysis and it is discussed in chapters 3 and 4. The SPP
used can be seen in figure 1.2 and table 1.1 shows the SPP specifications.
3
Figure 1.2 - Front and section profile of the SPP.
Table 1.1: SPP properties

Diameter: 9.7 in.
Material: Stainless steel
Average Pitch: 18.312”
Blades: 4
Rotation: Left
Heave Motor Propeller Motor
Carriage
Inclination
Yaw Motor
Motor
Supporting Arm
Linear Stage
Spray Shield
SPP
Figure 1.3 - CAD drawing of the SPP test apparatus. From Lorio [7].
Figure 1.4 - The SPP test apparatus mounted on towing carriage at Stevens Institute of Technology.
December 11, 2009.
4
1.3 Thesis Goals
The first goal of the present thesis is to gather images of the wake of a SPP under
various conditions of I , γ, Ψ, and . Using an existing model, the wake diameter,
wake pitch and wake pitch angle (explained in section 3.2.2.2) will be measured in order
to quantify the behavior of the ventilated cavities of a SPP under different conditions. A
computer algorithm will be written in order to accurately determine the dimensions of
these parameters so they can be plotted and compared between the different testing
conditions. Additionally, measurements of the width of ventilated cavities in the wake of
a SPP will be taken and related to an existing theoretical work.
The second goal is to produce video footage of the SPP in order to provide a
description of the spray pattern created at different testing conditions. Both images and
footage will be compared with expectations developed in chapter 3. Conclusions and
recommendations will be made based on the results obtained.
5
2. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
2.1 Facility
The Stevens Institute of Technology collaborates with the research team by
making its towing tank facility available for the current project. It is a straight tank, 16 ft
(3.66 m) wide by 8 ft (1.83 m) deep by 313 ft (95.40 m) long as seen in figure 2.1. Its
towing carriage can go up to 100 ft/s with a speed-resolution of 0.01 ft/s. Another
desirable feature is its holding weight capability; it can hold approximately 500 pounds of
weight [9].
Figure 2.1 - Towing tank at Stevens Institute of Technology.
6
2.2 Testing Conditions
The test condition matrix is shown in table 2.1. Note that there is an overlap with
some of the conditions tested by Olofsson 1996 [10] in order to validate experimental
results obtained in the present study. A total of 95 combinations of this matrix were
executed.
Table 2.1: Testing conditions

γ (degrees) J Ψ (degrees)
I (%)
33 0, 7.5, 15 0.8-1.6 0, 15, 30

50 0 0.8-1.6 0
2.3 Visualization System Setup
2.3.1 Components
The equipment for flow visualizations consists of two cameras, five flashes, an
underwater mirror and two video recorders. The Davidson Laboratory is equipped with a
test section window midway through its length. At this location, two cameras are located.
Camera 1 is an underwater camera pointing to a mirror on the bottom of the tank,
allowing it to take underwater images of the trailing wake of the propeller. Camera 2
7
photographs the side view of the propeller as it passed through the tank’s section window
as in figure 2.2.
Flashes
Mirror
Length of
viewing
window
TOP VIEW
Camera 1
SPP
Camera 2
FRONT VIEW
Figure 2.2 - Location of cameras and mirror.
2.3.1.1 Cameras and Flash
Two Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi cameras with EFS 18-55 mm lenses and five
Vivitar 285 HV flashes are used (figure 2.3). Camera 1 is set to a focal length of 27.0
mm, shutter speed of 1/320 s, aperture value of 9.0 and ISO speed of 1600. It is placed
inside an underwater housing, pointing at the center of an inclined mirror on the bottom
8
of the tank (figure 2.4) producing mirror images of the bottom of the trailing wake of the
SPP, with a resolution of 3888 x 2592 pixels. Camera 2 is set to a focal length of 24.0
mm, shutter speed of 1/320 s, aperture value of 9.0 and ISO speed of 1600. It is located
outside the tank focused through the viewing window (figure 2.5), producing side view
images of the trailing wake.
Figure 2.3 - Camera and flash used to record side and bottom view images.
Camera 1
Underwater mirror
Figure 2.4 - Camera 1 pointing at mirror.
9
Camera 2 and flash
Figure 2.5 - Camera 2 and flash at viewing window.
One of the flashes is mounted on camera 2 and the four remaining flashes are
placed two each in two watertight boxes located at 8 ft apart at the upstream and
downstream sides of the mirror on the bottom of the tank. The cameras have the
capability to simultaneously store JPEG and RAW files. This feature is used because
RAW files store minimally processed data, preserving greater detail than JPEG images.
The triggering system used for the cameras is given in section 2.3.2.
2.3.1.2 Video cameras
The laboratory has a National Electronics Digital Video camera (video 1) with a
frame rate of 33 Hz. and a minimum required illumination of 0.25 lux. It is a 1/3” high
resolution color camera with a CCTV lens of 3.5-8 mm. It is mounted on the carriage in
order to follow the SPP system maintaining the same focal length on every run. This
camera is useful for capturing splashing patterns around the propeller. It also allows the
researchers to check the SPP performance at any point along each run. Video 2, a camera
10
Aiptek ISDV2.4 with video resolution of 720 x 480 pixels and a focus range of 40cm~∞
is mounted on the carriage 5.25 ft directly in front and 2 feet above the waterline. Video
2 is used to get a more focused view of the splash around the SPP. It is covered with a zip
bag to make it water proof. This setup is shown in figure 2.6.
VIDEO 1
VIDEO 2
5.25 ft 31° 6 ft
SPP
(a)
Carriage
Video 1
SPP
Video 2
(b)
Figure 2.6 - Video cameras mounted on carriage. (a) Schematic of the top view. (b) View in
Perspective.
11
2.3.2 Camera Triggering System
The triggering sequence used to activate the cameras at the desired position is
summarized below in figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7 - Diagram of the process to trigger the cameras and flashes.
Step 1: The carriage is moved to the desired position within the viewing window
of the tank where it is going to be photographed. This distance is measured to
be from the starting carriage position. This value corresponds to zero
carriage speed. In order to obtain different values of , the value of is varied. It is
known that there is a time delay of seconds for the cameras and flash to go off
12
from the time the trigger signal is sent by an encoder. Thus, to ensure the same position
of the propeller assembly in the viewing window when the pictures are taken, a relative
distance needs to be subtracted from . The distance the carriage travels while the
triggering signal goes from the encoder to the cameras, , can be calculated by
. Thus the input camera distance is given by: .
For example, for ,
feet. The different values for can be seen in table 2.2. These values are entered in a
Dynapar Master Controller for each set of runs (figure 2.8).
Table 2.2: Triggering Distances for Cameras

RPM = 1325
J U (ft/s) (ft)
0.8 14.19 154.90
1 17.67 154.00
1.2 21.15 153.20
1.4 24.64 152.30
1.6 28.12 151.50
Figure 2.8 - Dynapar Master Controller.
Step 2: An optical limit switch (figure 2.9) of 1” resolution measures the input
position given by . Once this distance is reached, the optical limit switch outputs a
signal to the Dynapar Master Controller which triggers the cameras. Cables from the
13
flash boxes go to a central distribution box, which 1) provides power to recharge them, 2)
triggers them at the same time as the cameras are triggered and 3) provides an indicator
light to show if they were charged.
Optical Limit Switch
Carriage
Metal Teeth
Figure 2.9 - Optical limit switch.
Step 3: Images are captured and stored temporarily in the memory of the camera.
Then through a USB hub connected from both cameras to a laptop, the images are sent to
the laptop.
Step 4: Images are saved on the laptop. All files are stored automatically in
ascending numbers. The numbers of the pictures are recorded in a lab book with their
respective run numbers and conditions for later use.
2.3.3 Video Triggering System
Video 1 is triggered using computer software Turtle Beach which allows starting
and stopping recording of the run. It also allows projecting the view of Video 1 on a
computer screen. Video 2 is triggered manually for each run.
2.4 Description of a Testing Run

14
First the SPP testing apparatus is mounted on the laboratory’s carriage. Then,
before each test run condition the SPP is positioned at the desired parameters (I, ϕ and
Ψ). I is measured using guide lines previously drawn on the propeller blades. ϕ is
measured using an inclinometer built-in the SPP testing apparatus. Ψ is measured using a
protractor1. Before each run condition, the SPP is placed in the desired position according
to the testing matrix given in table 2.1. Then the desired value for X is input into Master
1
Originally a built-in compass located in the SPP testing apparatus measures the yaw angle. However due
to the presence of many metal objects in the facility, the readings from this device are not consistent.
15
Controller as given in table 2.2. A count-down is given in order to activate video footage.
The run starts and cameras 1 and 2 simultaneously take images of the bottom and side
view of the SPP wake at the specified distance X. Figure 2.10 shows side and bottom
images obtained with cameras 1 and 2 after the process shown in figure 2.7.
(a)
(b)
Figure 2.10 - Original images of (a) side view with camera 1 and (b) bottom view with camera 2, of
SPP wake for condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176, 1.176.
By the end of the experimental approach, 348 images are obtained including side
and bottom views in both JPEG and RAW format. Additionally, using video 1, 90 video
clips (.avi) of the conditions tested are taken for further analysis of the spray generated by
16
the SPP. Using Video 2, 15 video clips (.asf) of the front view of the SPP are taken also
for spray generation analysis.
17
3. DATA PROCESSING
3.1 Expected Outcomes
3.1.1 Expectations Based on a Theoretical Approach
From the definition of propeller pitch given in [11] and in [12]it is known that a
propeller can be thought of a helix inside a cylinder. In figure 3.1 an unrolled section of
this helix is shown where the horizontal axis is the rate at which the propeller travels to
its rpm.
Figure 3.1 - An Unrolled Propeller.
18
From figure 3.8 and the parameters defined in section 3.2.2.2, it can be seen that:
And:
From the definition of advance coefficient:
Thus, according to equation 3.1, the wake pitch angle is expected to change
proportionally as the advance ratio changes, within the same condition.
Dividing by :
It can be expressed as:
Therefore, it can be expected from expression 3.2 that the ratio of the wake pitch
divided by the SPP diameter be directly proportional to the advance ratio.
is defined as the distance between the center of the SPP hub and the edge of
the cavity of interest along a horizontal line (section 3.2.2.2). This means that in the same
viewing window, higher values of produce less number of cavities. Thus, equation
3.2 implies that a comparison between two images of the SPP wake of a similar
condition tested at different values of is expected to show that low values of produce
more ventilated cavities (provided that the images have equal size in pixels).
Given that a ventilated cavity is full of air [13], it is understood that an amount of
water equal to the amount of air occupying the cavity is displaced. A sheet of spray is the
amount of spray corresponding to one ventilated cavity. This means that more cavities
will produce more sheets of spray. This is consistent with observations made by [10].
19
Since we know that low values of are expected to produce more ventilated cavities,
then it is also expected that low values of produce more spray sheets.
Consider figure 3.8 so that:
Figure 3.2 - Wake parameters in an unrolled propeller.
From figure 3.8, let:
Where:
For example, at the third ventilated cavity:
So in figure 3.2:
Recall from equation 3.1:
Equating the tangents of the angles:
20
Dividing by D:
In equation 3.3, the quantities in the parenthesis are dimensionless numbers. This
expression indicates that the ratio of wake diameter over SPP diameter is inversely
proportional to the value of advance ratio. Table 3.1 summarizes all the theoretical
expectations.
Table 3.1: Theoretical Expectations

Number Expectation
1 Wake pitch angles change proportionally to the advance ratio.

The ratio wake pitch over SPP diameter is directly proportional to the
2
advance ratio.
3 Low values of advance ratio produce more ventilated cavities.
4 Low values of advance ratio produce more spray sheets.
The ratio wake diameter over SPP diameter is inversely proportional

5
to the value of advance ratio.
3.1.2 Expectations Based on Existing Observations
As the value of J drops, some expectations can be outlined [14]:
- Transition to fully ventilation occurs at a region of J.

21
- The amount of spray grows to cover SPP by a solid layer or water.
An expectation from the observations made by [15] is that:
- Most spray should come from the exit side of the propeller.
From [13]:
EXIT ENTRY
BLADE
WATER
AIR
Figure 3.3 - Vent path. From Vorus 2008 [13].
At the entry side, the propeller blade cuts through producing some spray and as it
continues, creating an air cavity, the blade pushes water in its way which is expulsed at
the exit side in the form of spray, producing most of the spray. This explains the
observation made by [15].
Observations made in [10] are summarized:
- varies linearly as a function of the angular position of the SPP.
- has no dependence of Ψ.
- behaves inversely proportional to Ψ.
3.2. Image Analysis
22
As Camera 1 is located farther from the SPP than camera 2, there is a slight
difference magnification and resolution between bottom and side images recorded.
Therefore it is crucial to calibrate the image magnifications.
During testing trials, two 36-inch rulers are attached at right angles to one another
to the propeller shaft and mounted as shown in figure 3.4. The SPP assembly with the
rulers attached is positioned at and pictures are taken. The ratio of a ruler
measurement in the bottom view to one in the side view is found to be 0.69 referred to as
calibration scaling in section 3.2.1.
SPP Waterline
Rulers
SIDE VIEW
Rulers
SPP
BOTTOM VIEW
Figure 3.4 - Ruler test showing a different magnification between images.
3.2.1. Image Analysis Sequence
The region of interest is the wake created by the SPP so the images need to be
cropped. It is desired to obtain a composite image of the every side view image with their
23
respective bottom view images. Finally, a label of the condition tested is given to every
image. The diagram in figure 3.5 shows this process.
Figure 3.5 - Sequence used to analyze images.
To accomplish steps 1 through 3, Imagemagick software was used through a DOS
window allowing to process batch file images reducing the time needed for these actions.
To obtain the desired focused view of the wake software Canon Utilities File Viewer
Utility version 1.3.2.11 is used. Using this software the pixel coordinates of the cursor’s
location is displayed on the screen which is used to determine the size (in pixels) of the
desired viewing window where only the SPP wake will be seen. The cropping offsets for
locating this viewing window are determined similarly. The latter is important to know
since the SPP wake is not in the same location as Ψ and γ vary.
24
Finally in step 3 of the process shown in figure 3.5, the resulting side and bottom
cropped images are merged into one compound image with their corresponding label for
each condition. After this step, 63 composited-labeled images are ready to be analyzed. A
sample image obtained, after step 3 is completed, is shown in figure 3.6. The DOS code
used for steps 1 through 3 is shown in appendix A.1. In step 4, a new folder is created in
a convenient location containing all the resultant images from the previous steps. Step 5
is described in detail in section 3.2.2.
Figure 3.6 - Composite-labeled image of condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176,

1.176.
3.2.2 Measurement of Wake Parameters
3.2.2.1 Measurement of Cavity Width
One of the parameters of interest is cavity width measured at the entry side of
the propeller blade. A particular interest of this study is to compare experimental results
of the width of the ventilated cavities with the work developed by [13]. To obtain the
25
measurement of , three tangent points to the walls of the ventilated cavity at the blade
entry side are picked and a circle is drawn based on the points picked as shown in figure
3.7. All diameters lie in the same horizontal line.
The dimensions of the diameters are recorded as ventilated cavity widths. For an
accurate measurement of , a ventilated cavity must stand alone. By inspection, the
cases where cavities stand alone are when γ = 0°, and is greater or equal than
1.363. In all other conditions the ventilated cavities collapse with each other, making it
difficult to measure in a consistent manner.
Cavity widths
Figure 3.7 - Measurement of the width of 4 ventilated cavities of condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°,
1.927 made in AutoCAD 2008.
26
3.2.2.2 Measurement of Wake Pitch, Wake Diameter and Wake Pitch Angle
The present study uses a method published in 1996 by [10] to measure various
parameters of the trailing wake of a SPP working at different conditions. To measure the
shape of the cavities in the trailing wake of the propeller, three parameters are introduced.
The wake pitch, , is defined to be the distance from the blade spindle axis to the
upstream edge of the ventilated cavity along a horizontal drawn at the blade spindle axis.
The original definition of in [10] is the distance from the blade spindle axis
to the “tip” of the ventilated cavities. However, the cavities in the present study had fat-
ends making it hard to consistently pick a cavity tip.
The angular position of the blade is used to indicate the cavity of interest. The
second parameter is the wake diameter which measures the width of the trailing
wake in the horizontal plane at a distance downstream of the propeller. The final
parameter is the wake pitch angle , defined to be the angle between the vertical plane
perpendicular to the free-stream velocity and the tangent of the cavity at a distance
downstream of the propeller. These parameters can be seen in figure 3.8.
27
= Pw
2π
π
Vortex Sheet or cavity
Φw
U 0
Boundary to trailing
wake
Dw
View from Bellow

Figure 3.8 - Olofsson’s nomenclature for trailing wake parameters [10].
3.2.3 The Measuring Algorithm
A Matlab algorithm that semi-automatically measures the desired wake
parameters as described in section 3.2.2.2 is developed for the present study (shown in
appendices A.3-A.6). The code has four parts:
Parser Code: It is a function able to take the name of the image files given in a
specific format and break it down to extract information within the name of the file such
are the values of I, γ, Ψ, and J. It was written as a function so other programs can call it
and use it.
28
Wake Profile Code: It runs a loop through all the images to pick points around
the wake profile with a click of the mouse. The program stores the coordinates of each
pair of points of the profile picked. A sample image is shown in figure 3.9 after the wake
profile points are picked. Note that the composite image is cropped for measurement
taking so only the bottom view image is displayed.
Wake Pitch and Angle Code: This code runs a loop for all the images which first
converts the image in grayscale and then allows picking a point at the blade spindle axis
as shown in figure 3.10.
Wake Profile
Figure 3.9 - Wake profile of condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176, 1.176.
29
Blade spindle axis point
Figure 3.10 - Picking a point for blade spindle axis for condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176,
1.176.
Then, the program converts the grayscale image into a binary image so that the
ventilated cavities can be seen more easily. The resultant image replaces all pixels in the
input image with luminance greater than the threshold value specified, with 1 or white
and all other pixels with 0 or black. The function to calculate the threshold value uses
Otsu’s [16] method which selects an optimal threshold value automatically and stably,
not based on differentiation but on integration of the histogram. A horizontal line is
drawn at the blade spindle axis point as seen in figure 3.11.
30
Horizontal line
Ventilated cavities
Figure 3.11 - Binary image of condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176, 1.176.
As shown in figure 3.11 the intersections between the horizontal line with the
upstream edges of the ventilated cavities can be selected. A point near the desired
intersection is selected by a click and the program automatically identifies the closest
point where there is a differential in pixel value in the binary image along the horizontal
line. This is possible since along the upstream edge of the cavity there are pixels of value
0 to one side and 1 to the opposite side. The desired amount of ventilated cavities and
corresponding intersections are picked and the result is shown in figure 3.12.
31
Intersections of cavity edges with horizontal line
Figure 3.12 - Automatic recognition of edge-horizontal plane intersections for condition I = 33%, γ =
0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.176, 1.176.
The values for the intersection points are saved in a new file with the
corresponding name by calling the function parser code. Using the intersection and blade
spindle axis points the value of Pw is calculated. A linear interpolation between the
points picked with the wake profile code and the edge-horizontal intersection points is
used to calculate Dw. Finally, using the diagram of an unrolled propeller given in figure
32
3.1 and distance Pw, the value of is obtained. In the cases where Ψ > 0, Ψ is
subtracted from this calculation to obtain the final value of . Note that all distance
measurements are given in pixels. The ruler image is measured in Canon Utilities File
Viewer Utility version 1.3.2.11and the ratio inches to pixels is found to be 5/209. This
conversion number is used to convert the values of the parameters to inches.
Plotter Code: It makes the plots of the measured parameters. It uses the function
parser to accurately label the plots. The results from this code can be seen in chapter 4.
3.3 Video Analysis
As discussed in section 3.1.1, there is a relationship between the value of advance
ratio and the amount of spray generated by the SPP. In order to observe if this
relationship is valid, video clips taken from video 1 are used to look for such a pattern. A
frame of each of the movies is taken at 13.6 seconds corresponding to about half way of
the testing run time to be able to simultaneously compare patterns between videos of the
same condition but at different values of J. A quantification of the amount of spray is not
33
directed in the present study as that pertains to a more in depth study of spray caused by a
SPP.
34
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Wake Pitch, Wake Diameter and Wake Pitch Angle Measurement Results
The measurements taken for these parameters were taken as described in section
3.2.2.2. Two samples of typical results at high and low values of for each testing
conditions are shown in figures 4.1 – 4.20 (the complete set of images and their results
can be seen in Appendix B). In the case of low values of , the ratio Dw/D
increases with respect to the angular position of the SPP while when is higher,
this ratio seems to remain constant. For all testing conditions, the value of the ratio Dw/D
at angular speed 3π/2 is higher when is lower in agreement with theoretical
expectation number 5 from table 3.1. At low values of a higher number of

35
ventilated cavities are visible which is what is expected from expectation 3 of table 3.1.
For all the conditions, the range of values for the wake pitch angle is higher for higher
values of . This behaves as expected from expectation 2 of table 3.1. Additionally,
the range of values for change inversely proportionally to Ψ. This result is
in agreement with observations made by [10]. The ratio Pw/D varies almost linearly with
respect to ϕ and this behavior does not seem to change as Ψ changes also in agreement
with [10]. The range of values for the ratio Pw/D is higher when the values of are
36
higher for all testing conditions in conformity with expectation 2 of table 3.1. For all
conditions it seems that there is a region where the SPP experiences a fully ventilated
regime (a ventilated region made up of many merged ventilated cavities). For all cases,
the average region of for fully ventilated condition was calculated to be 0.905 –
0.721. This region is in the neighborhood of the region observed by [14].
From the side view images it is possible to see that the ventilated cavities have the
shape of a bowl which means that the tip of the ventilated cavity travels downstream with
a lower speed than the center of the wake. This agrees with observations made by [10]
and [17] and it may be explained based on the propeller jet flow [12] where because of
the pressure gradient, there is more pressure further into the boundary region of the
actuator disk flow than in the outer boundaries [18].
37
Figure 4.1 - Results for condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 0.767, 0.767.
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
43
44
45
Figure 4.13 - Results for condition I = 33%, γ = 7.5°, Ψ = 0°, J = 0.803, 0.796.
46
47
48
49
50
Figure 4.18 - Results for condition I = 33%, γ = 7.5°, Ψ = 30°, J = 1.747, 1.
51
Figure
4.19 - Results for condition I = 50%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 0.913, 0.913.
52
53
4.2 Cavity Width Measurement Results
The measurements of d are taken as described in section 3.2.2.1. A quadratic fit
is applied to the results of the ratio d/D plotted versus the angular position of the SPP as
this behavior is expected from a theoretical work in [13]given in the form:
And the relationship between t and ϕ is:
The velocity component of this expression is of interest since it represents the
speed with which the ventilated cavities close after the trailing edge of the SPP passes
through the vent path (figure 3.3). Results of for conditions given in figures 4.21-4.24
are displayed in table 4.1 using U = 28.7 ft/s (from table 2.2).
54
Table 4.1: Velocity component from cavity width measurements.
Condition (in/s)
I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.927, 1.927 0.119
I = 50%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.441, 1.441 0.112
I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 15°, J = 1.574, 0.004
1.363
I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 30°, J = 1.772, 0.05
1.535
The values seem to vary linearly with respect to values for the
conditions given. This seems plausible since at lower values of the SPP blade
spends more time in the vent duct which delays the time of collapse of the cavity. On the
other hand, at higher values of , the SPP blade passes by the vent faster allowing
the cavity walls to close faster. Independent of the influence of , the value of
does not seem to vary when immersion ratio is varied. When values of Ψ are varied, the
linear relationship between and still seems to hold.
55
Figure 4.21 - Width results for condition I = 33%, γ = 0°, Ψ = 0°, J = 1.927, 1.927.
56
57
4.3 Video Analysis Results
When the testing run stars, the SPP is partially wetted and as it reaches the value
of the SPP starts producing spray sheets that elevate downstream of the SPP. At
high values of these spray sheets remain downstream away from the SPP but as
the value of drops spray progresses to covering the entire SPP. This agrees with
expectations mentioned in section 3.1.2. In order to be able to compare between different
spray patterns, the videos obtained for each testing condition are analyzed as described in
section 3.3. At high values of videos show that most of the spray produced comes
from the exit side of the SPP in concurrence with expectations mentioned in section
3.1.2.
Additionally, it is found that at low values of more spray sheets were
generated in accord with expectation 4 of table 3.1. Substantial amount of spray is
generated at the entry side of the blade at low values of which may be explained
by considering figure 3.3. When the blade enters the water, it produces spray due the
impact and also some spray is produced as the ventilated cavities close [19][20].
At high values of the spray pattern has a more uniform direction straight
downstream from the SPP. At low values of , the spray pattern increases in
progressively downstream of the SPP. This finding is consistent with the measurements
58
of Dw/D which are almost constant at high values of and have increasing values
when is low.
The spray generated seems to change its volume proportional to γ. This seems to
be mainly caused by the bottom assembly of the SPP testing apparatus which is
submerged when γ > 0. The shape of the spray pattern does not seem to change as γ is
varied. As Ψ changes, the spray pattern seems to change orientation so it is always
aligned along the SPP shaft. This is counter-intuitive since the orientation of the
ventilated cavities with respect to a horizontal line does not change as Ψ is varied. One
reason for this may be that the spray generation depends on the blade position only
(which is always the same with respect to the SPP shaft) whereas the orientation of the
59
ventilated cavities seems to be affected by the direction of U.
60
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The first goal of the present thesis was to gather images of the wake of a SPP
under various conditions of I , γ, Ψ, J , and to measure 4 wake parameters based on an
existing model using a computer algorithm and plot the measurements. The images
obtained after the experiments were conducted were of great quality: they showed a great
amount of detail of the wake SPP at each tested condition. Only for a small number of
images, one of the flashes did not charge properly and so the side view image of the
condition tested was not available. The existing model to measure SPP wake parameters
had to be redefined since it assumed that ventilated cavities had a thin tip at the exit side
of the propeller which is was not the case for the images obtained. Also, a background of
the theory of an unrolled propeller needed to be written in order to fully understand the
way the parameters were defined in the existing model.
A MATLAB algorithm was written to measure 3 of the 4 desired wake
parameters. The amount of preparation of the code was extensive but overall it was
definitely worth it since it allowed taking measurements more rapidly and more
accurately than using AUTOCAD which was the original program to be
61
used to take measurements. The only inconvenience with the first proposed goal was that
the width of ventilated cavities could be measured only when they did not collapse with
each other which only happened at high values of and also when γ > 0. It is
recommended to execute experiments with γ = 0 and a large range of low values of
in order to get more measurements of d. Also, having more images where d can
be clearly identified, a MATLAB program could be written based on the one produced in
this thesis. Overall the first goal aimed by this thesis was successful.
A second goal was to produce video footage of the spray pattern created by the
SPP in order to give a description of them. Frames of the videos were taken at a specified
time which seemed to be an effective way to compare many conditions at the same time
in order to find commonalities between the frames. Many observations were made of the
relationship between the value of and the wake parameters including the spray
generated. Video footage seemed to be a valuable tool for describing the spray patterns
generated. For future studies, a method to quantify the amount of spray generated by the
SPP should be executed aiming to observe the relationship between d for a ventilated
cavity and the amount of spray generated by it.
After conducting data analysis of images and videos it was found that the
experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions developed for this
thesis. This thesis aimed to contribute to existing knowledge of SPPs by showing that a
theoretically relationship between the wake parameters , , d, and with the
value of can be validated with experimental results obtained with an computer
algorithm made for this study. These findings are useful to provide a more complete
62
description of the wake created by a SPP in effort to guide the development of a method
for performance prediction of SPPs.
63
APPENDICES
64
65
APPENDIX A: COMPUTER CODE
A.1 ImageMagick code through DOS window for resizing, crop and
append side and bottom view images.
:: Open file where all images are located.

C:\users\laltamir
:: Resize all side view images using calibration scaling number.

FOR %a in (*_side*.jpg) DO convert %a -resize 69% r_%a
:: Cropping offsets found using Canon Utilities File Viewer Utility

version
:: 1.3.2.11 as mentioned in section 3.2.1.
:: Crop ruler images.

FOR %%a in ruler*.jpg) DO convert %%a -crop 1188x676+140+000 c_%%a
:: Crop all images of inclination 0 deg. and yaw 0 deg.

FOR %%a in (*P00Y00*.jpg) DO convert %%a -crop 1188x676+140+000 c_%%a
:: Crop all images of inclination 7.5 deg. and yaw 15 deg.

FOR %%a in (*P7p5Y15*.jpg) DO convert %%a -crop 1188x676+214+000 c_%%a

:: Crop all images of inclination 7.5 deg. and yaw 0 deg.

FOR %%a in (*P7P5Y00*.jpg) DO convert %%a -crop 1188x676+214+000 c_%%a

: crop all 0 deg. Pitch and 15 deg yaw


66
:: Crop all images of inclination 7.5 deg. and yaw30 deg.

FOR %%a in (*P7p5Y30*.jpg) DO convert %%a -crop 1188x676+214+48 c_%%a
:: Append side and bottom images to make composite image.

FOR %%a in (.jpg) DO convert c_%%a_side.jpg c_%%a_bottom.jpg -append
a_%a
67
A.2 MATLAB code to label composite image.
%Read in desired file.

I = imread ('H33P00Y00J0p8N1325_sb7.jpg');
%Label image.
TEXt(10,10,’I=33% \gamma=0ô\psi=0ô J=0.767,J_{scaled}=0.767');
68
A.3 MATLAB code to get information within name of file.
function FileInfo = parser(filename)

%fn_parser Takes filename of form 'HaaPbbYccJdPe_Runf.jpg'
% and returns structure containing numeric fields:
%
% H = aa;
% P = bb;
% Y = cc;
% J = d + e/10;
% Run = f;
%
% and the string fields:
% fn = filename;
%
H = str2num(filename(2:3));
P = str2num([filename(5:6)]);
Y = str2num(filename(8:9));
J = str2num([filename(11) '.' filename(13)]);
Run = str2num(filename(18));
FileInfo.H = H;
FileInfo.P = P;
FileInfo.Y = Y;
FileInfo.J = J;
FileInfo.Run = Run;
FileInfo.fn = filename;
69
A.4 MATLAB code for obtaining wake profile.
% Clean all previous information.

clear, clc, clf, close all
% Folder where images are located.

input_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\';
% Folder where results will be saved.

output_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\wake\';
% Read only JPEG files from folder.

files = dir(strcat(input_dir, '*.jpg'));
% Start a loop that takes every JPEG file in current folder.

for k = 1 : length(files)
% Read in file
I = imread(strcat(input_dir, files(k).name));
% Get height and width dimensions of image.

[h w] = size(I);
% Crops image so only bottom view is displayed based on h % and

w.
I = imcrop(I, [0 h/2 w h]);
%Allows to pick a polygon area using mouse. Coordinates of

%points are xi, yi.
[mask xi yi] = roipoly(I);
% Save values of xi, yi. New file with results is named

% as the original image file with “Wake_Dia” at begging.
save(strcat(output_dir, 'Wake_Dia', strrep(files(k).name, '.jpg',
'.mat')), 'xi', 'yi');
end % End of loop.
70
A.5 MATLAB code for measuring wake pitch and wake pitch angle

% Select folder where images are located.

img_home_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\';
% Select folder where results will be saved.

output_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\';
% Select folder with wake profile results are located.

wake_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\wake\';
filter_radius = 4; %Radius of filter

D = 9.7; %Radius of SPP [in]
mkdir(output_dir); %Creates destination folder
%Find all files in working directory that are JPEGS.

files = dir(strcat(img_home_dir, '*.jpg'));
%Set parameter p used in loop. Open a figure to display image.

p = 1;
figure, set(gcf, 'WindowStyle', 'Docked')
%Start a loop that goes through all the images in the directory.
while p <= length(files)
%Load wake profile coordinates.

load(strcat(wake_dir, 'Wake_Dia', strrep(files(p).name, '.jpg',
'.mat')))
%Call parser function to get information within name of %file.

FileInfo = parser(files(p).name);
%Read the current image number given by parameter 'p'.

I = (imread(strcat(img_home_dir, files(p).name)));
%convert image to gray scale
I = rgb2gray(I);
%Crop image so only bottom view is displayed

[height width] = size(I);
%Give crop window size
I_new = imcrop(I, [0 height/2 width height]);
%Increase intensity of new image.

I_new = imadjust(I_new);
%Constant number for threshold value.

c_thresh = 0.9/0.5;
71
%Apply Otsu's threshold method. Multiply by constant.
thresh = graythresh(I_new)*c_thresh;
%Round up edges of cavities (filter) and rotate image.
%Create round filter of filter_radius.

f = fspecial('disk',filter_radius);
%Apply filter to image.

J = imfilter(I_new,f);
%Equalize histogram.Increase the contrast of J

J = imadjust(J);
%Display processed image.

imshow(J, 'InitialMagnification', 'fit');
%Pick hub location.

disp('Please click once on hub location')
[xh yh] = ginput(1); %Pick one point for hub location.
%Rounds value of points xh and yh to nearest integer.

xh = round(xh);
yh = round(yh);
%Convert rotated image to binary image.

N = im2bw(J, thresh);
%Grab size of image into an array.

[n m] = size(N);
%Show line along SPP shaft at height yh.

%Make a matrix with 0s and 1s.
A = [zeros([yh-1,m]);ones([1,m]);zeros([n-yh,m])];
cl = logical(A); %Get diagonal elements of A
negative = xor(N, cl); %Find 0s and 1s along shaft line
%Draw 1s when 0s and visceversa

imshow(negative, 'InitialMagnification', 'fit')
%Display messages.
num = input('How many cavities do you want to consider?\n');
disp(sprintf('Pick close to shaft line and cavity edge.\n'))
%Read cavities walls and surroundings as 0s and 1s.
%Select points close to edges.

[x_close y_close] = ginput(num);
%Get row of 0s and 1s around edges.

72
line1 = negative(yh,:);
%Difference between 0s and 1s everywhere in image.

%Absolute value of difference to get only 1s.
%Finds all nonzeros (1s) at all edges of all cavities.
intersections = find(abs(diff(line1)));
%Find positions of tangent ends at cavity (from ginput).
%Create one column of zeros of max-x_close-rows

Ind = zeros(length(x_close),1);
%Show and image

imshow(J, 'InitialMagnification', 'fit'), hold on
%Start loop that repeats for each cavity selected.
for k = 1:length(x_close)
%grab 1s closest to points picked

[C, Ind] = min(abs(x_close(k) - intersections));
%show edges of cavities

plot(intersections(Ind), yh, 's', 'MarkerSize', 14), hold
on
interesting_intersections(k) = intersections(Ind);
%Calculate wake pitch angle

c = interesting_intersections(k) - xh;
%Normalize to obtain pixels only and do calculation.

%a is based on distances on an unrolled propeller.
a = ((k*(pi/2)*D)*(209/5));
phi(k) = atand(abs(c)/abs(a));
%Get wake pitch in inches.

Pw(k) = c*(5/209);
%Upper part of wake profile.

Xi1 = 1:(round (length(xi)/2)-1);
Yi1 = 1:(round (length(yi)/2)-1);
%Bottom part of wake profile.

Xi2 = round(length(xi)/2):length(xi)-1;
Yi2 = round(length(yi)/2):length(yi)-1;
%Use interpolation to find points above and below

%interesting_intersection points
yw1(k)=interp1(xi(Xi1),yi(Yi1),interesting_intersections(k)
); %upper part of wake profile
73
yw2(k)=interp1(xi(Xi2),yi(Yi2),interesting_intersections(k)
); %bottom part of wake profile
%Calculate wake diameter in inches

Dw(k) = abs(abs(yw2(k))-abs(yw1(k)))*(5/209);
end %End of for loop.
disp(sprintf('Hit any key to continue.\n'))

pause
%Name results to be saved.
Results.p = p;
Results.yh = yh;
Results.xh = xh;
Results.P_x = interesting_intersections;
Results.FileInfo = FileInfo;
Results.c_Thresh = c_thresh;
Results.phi = phi;
Results.Pw = Pw;
Results.Dw = Dw;
%Prompt user if save work or not.

answer = input('Save results? [y/n]\n', 's');
%Start a loop that either saves results or not, then repeats %while
loop for same condition, for next condition or exits %while loop.
%Option that saves results in mat file in destination folder.
%Displays name of file saved.
if strcmp(answer, 'y') || strcmp(answer, 'Y')
fn_output = strrep(files(p).name, '.jpg', '.mat');
save(strcat(output_dir, fn_output), 'Results')
disp(sprintf('Saved as %s in %s...\n',
fn_output,
output_dir));
%Option that does not save results

elseif ~(strcmp(answer, 'N') || strcmp(answer, 'n'))
disp(sprintf('How can I know what you want if you yourself are
unsure?\n'))
end %End of if loop
%Prompt to repeat or exit from while loop.

answer = input('Repeat, continue, or exit? [R/C/E]\n','s');
%Option executes while loop for next file.

if strcmp(answer, 'C') || strcmp(answer, 'c')
p = p + 1;
%Option that executes while loop for same file.
74
elseif strcmp(answer, 'R') || strcmp(answer, 'r')
continue;
%Option that exits while loop.

elseif strcmp(answer, 'E') || strcmp(answer, 'e')
break;
else
disp(sprintf('How can I know what you wReant if you yourself are
unsure?\n'))
end %Ends if loop.
%Clears all storage information from previous executed file.

clear Results I_new P I J Dw Pw interesting_intersections n m xh yh
c_thresh x_close phi
end %Ends while loop.
75
A.6 MATLAB code plotting parameters
% Select folder where images are located.

home_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\';
% Select folder where results will be saved.

output_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\graphs\';
% Select folder with wake profile results are located.

wake_dir = 'C:\Users\laltamir\Desktop\image_measure\wake\';
%Find only .mat files

files = dir(strcat(home_dir, '*.mat'));
%Create output directory

mkdir(output_dir);
p = 1;
D = 9.7; %prop. diameter in inches
%Values for J and Jscaled

J.value = [0.767 0.975 1.176 1.36 1.328 1.316 1.481 1.927,…
0.758 0.95 1.15 1.302 1.445 1.491 1.531 1.574 1.804 0.773,… 0.957 1.134
1.34 1.479 1.772 0.85 1.051 1.239 1.487 1.537,… 1.982 1.027 1.2 1.4
1.745 1.717 0.918 1.120 1.356 1.358,…
1.412 1.552 0.803 1.006 1.206 1.197 1.395 0.806 1.023 1.219,… 1.41
1.638 1.814 1.326 0.805 0.994 1.187 1.301 1.49 1.747,… 0.913 1.19 1.419
1.421 1.441];
J.scaled = [0.767 0.975 1.176 1.36 1.328 1.316 1.481 1.927,… 0.656
0.823 0.996 1.127 1.251 1.292 1.326 1.363 1.562 0.67,…
0.829 0.982 1.161 1.281 1.535 0.822 1.016 1.197 1.436 1.485,… 1.914
0.859 1.004 1.171 1.46 1.437 0.768 0.937 1.135 1.136,…
1.181 1.298 0.796 0.997 1.196 1.186 1.383 0.692 0.879 1.047,… 1.211
1.406 1.558 1.139 0.691 0.853 1.019 1.117 1.28 1.5,…
0.913 1.19 1.419 1.421 1.441];
%Starts loop that plots wake parameters versus SPP angular %rotation in
2 subplots with respective name of file in title.
while p <= length(files)
%load the wake measure.

load(strcat(wake_dir, 'Wake_Dia', strrep(files(p).name, '.jpg',
'.mat'))) load(strcat(home_dir, ' ' , %
%Load pitch and angle measure.

strrep(files(p).name, '.jpg','.mat')))
76
%Call the function FileInfo to break filename info and get
%angles.
FileInfo = parser(files(p).name);
%Convert values of phi wrt to horizontal.

phi_h = Results.phi - FileInfo.Y;
%Values for Angular Position of Propeller.

ap = (pi/2)*[1:length(Results.Dw)];
%Open a figure.
figure(p)
%Plot of wake pitch and diameter as a function of angular

%position.
subplot(2,1,1),plot(ap, Results.Dw/D, 'bo-'), hold on
plot( ap, Results.Pw/D, 'gs-'), hold off
%Label meaningful values.

set(gca,'XTick',pi/2:pi/2:(pi*length(Results.Dw)));
set(gca,'XTickLabel',{'pi/2','pi','3pi/2','2pi','5pi/2',…
'3pi','7pi/2’,'4pi','9pi/2','5pi','11pi/2','6pi','13pi/2’,…','7pi
','15pi/2','8pi'});
%Change form of inclination angle given as bb to b.b.
if FileInfo.P == 75
FileInfo.P = 7.5;
end
%Using parser function, title plot same as name of file.

title (['I = ',num2str(FileInfo.H),'%,...
\gamma = ',num2str(FileInfo.P),...
'ô, \psi = ',num2str(FileInfo.Y), 'ô,...
J = ',num2str(J.value(p)),...
', J_{scaled }= ',num2str(J.scaled(p))]);
%Label axis of plot.

xlabel ('\phi');
ylabel ('Pw/D, Dw/D');
%Plot of wake pitch angle as a function of angular %position

subplot(2,1,2),plot(ap, phi_h, 'rv-');
%Label meaningful values

set(gca,'XTick',pi/2:pi/2:(pi*length(Results.Dw)));
set(gca,'XTickLabel',{'pi/2','pi','3pi/2','2pi','5pi/2'
,...'3pi','7pi/2','4pi','9pi/2','5pi','11pi/2','6pi','13pi/2','7p
i','15pi/2','8pi'});
%Label axis of plot.

xlabel ('\phi');
ylabel ('\Phiw');
disp ('Select Dw/D then Pw/D locations');
77
%Pick location to display a tag for Dw and Pw lines.
gtext ({'Dw/D';'Pw/D'});
%Prompt user if save work or not.

answer = input('Save results? [y/n]\n', 's');
%Start a loop that either saves results or not, then repeats %while
loop for same condition, for next condition or exits %while loop.
%Option that saves results as JPEGS file in destination %folder.
Displays name of file saved.
if strcmp(answer, 'y') || strcmp(answer, 'Y')
fn_output = strrep(files(p).name, '.mat', '.jpg');
save(strcat(output_dir, fn_output), 'Results')
disp(sprintf('Saved as %s in %s...\n',
fn_output,
output_dir));
%Option that does not save results

elseif ~(strcmp(answer, 'N') || strcmp(answer, 'n'))
disp(sprintf('How can I know what you want if you yourself are
unsure?\n'))
end %End of if loop
%Prompt to repeat or exit from while loop.

answer = input('Repeat, continue, or exit? [R/C/E]\n','s');
%Option executes while loop for next file.

if strcmp(answer, 'C') || strcmp(answer, 'c')
p = p + 1;
%Option that executes while loop for same file.

elseif strcmp(answer, 'R') || strcmp(answer, 'r')
continue;
%Option that exits while loop.

elseif strcmp(answer, 'E') || strcmp(answer, 'e')
break;
else
disp(sprintf('How can I know what you wReant if you yourself are
unsure?\n'))
end %Ends if loop.
%Clears all storage information from previous executed file.

clear Results Pw Dw phi fig FileInfo.Y FileInfo.P FileInfo.H
FileInfo.fn
end %Ends while loop.
78
APPENDIX B: COMPLETE SET OF IMAGES AND WAKE PARAMETER
MEASUREMENTS
B.1 Results for immersion 50%, inclination 0 degrees and yaw 0 degrees with
descending values of Jscaled.
79
80
B.2 Results for immersion 33%, inclination 7.5 degrees and yaw 30 degrees. images
are shown with descending values of Jscaled.
81
82
B.3 Results for immersion 33%, inclination 7.5 degrees and yaw 15 degrees. Images
83
84
B.4 Results for immersion 33%, inclination 7.5 degrees and yaw 0 degrees. Images
85
86
B.5 Results for immersion 33%, inclination 15 degrees and yaw 30 degrees. Images
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
are shown with descending values of J scaled.
95
96
97
are shown with descending values of J scaled.
98
99
REFERENCES
[1] Young, Yin L., and Spyros A. Kinnas. "Performance Prediction of Surface-
Piercing Propellers." Journal of Ship Research 2004,Vol. 28: pp. 288-304.
[2] Kamen, Paul. "Surface-Piercing Propellers." Boatbuilder Magazine 1995: 1-8.
[3] The Propulsion Commitee, “Proceedings of the 23rd ITTC.” 23th International
Towing Tank Conference 2002, Volume I: pp. 90-142.
[4] Office of Naval Research. “Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).” Department

of the Navy Sciency & Technology 2005: pp.1-13.
[5] Hecker, Richard. “Experimental Performance of a Partially Submerged Propeller

in Inclined Flow.” The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers 1973:
pp.1-9.
[6] Lorio, Justin. Open Water Testing of a Surface-Piercing Propeller with Varying
Submergence, Yaw Angle and Inclination Angle 2008, Master Thesis: 1-40.
[7] Lorio, J. M., L. M. Altamirano, M. H. Tall & K. D. von Ellenrieder. “Design of a

Next Generation Surface-Piercing Propeller Test Stand.” Paper presented at
Oceans ’09 MTS/IEEE Biloxi, October 26-29, 2009.
[8] The Specialist Committee on Model Test of High Speed Marine Vehicles Final
Report and Recommendations to the 22nd ITTC, Annapolis, USA, November
1998.
[9] Schaefer, Charles V. “Our Research Facilities.” The Center for Maritime Systems
2004: 14 March 2009 <http://www.stevens.edu/ses/cms/Facilities/index.html >.
[10] Olofsson, Niclas. Force and Flow Characteristics of a Partially Submerged

Propeller. Goteborg: Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering -
Chalmers University of Technology, 1996.
100
[11] Carlton, John S., Marine propellers and propulsion. Great Britain: MPG Books
Ltd. 2nd ed. 2007
[12] Gillmer, Thomas C., and Bruce Johnson. Introduction to Naval Architecture.
Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1982.
[13] Vorus, William S. “Surface Piercing Propellers: Design and Testing” ONR T-
Craft Meeting. January 8 and 9, 2008
[14] Brandt, H., “Modellversuche mit Schiffspropellern an der Wasseroberfläche.”

Dissertation 1972/1973, TU Berlin.
[15] Hadler, J.B., and R. Hecker. “Performance of Partially Submerged Propellers.” 7th
ONR Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics 1968: pp. 1449-1496.
[16] Otsu, Nobuyuki., “A threshold selection method from gray-level histograms.”

IEEE Transactions on systems, man and cybernetics 1979: Vol. 9: pp. 62-66.
[17] Hoshino, T., “Hydrodynamic analysis of propellers in steady flow using a surface
panel method.” Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Japan 1989: Vol.
165: pp. 55- 70.
[18] Ananthakrishnan, P. “Actuator-Disk Model” Hydrodynamic Aspects of Ship

Design. Class notes. 2009: Florida Atlantic University, Dania Beach.
[19] Truscott, Tadd and Alexandra H. Techet. "Cavity formation in the wake of a
spinning sphere impacting the free surface." Physics of Fluids 2006: pp.18.
[20] Worthington, A.M. and R.S. Cole. “Impact with a liquid surface studied by the
aid of instantaneous photography” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society of London 1900, Vol.194: pp 175-199
101

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FLOW VISUALIZATION OF THE VENTILATED CAVITIES AND SPRAY

PATTERN GENERATED BY A SURFACE PIERCING PROPELLER

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of

The College of Engineering and Computer Science

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Florida Atlantic University

Dania Beach, Florida

PATTERN GENERATED BY A SURFACE PIERCING PROPELLER

as my supervisory committee who guided me to become a better engineer. I would like

Author: Luis Altamirano

Title: Flow visualization of the ventilated cavities and spray pattern

generated by a surface piercing propeller

Institution: Florida Atlantic University

Thesis Advisor: Dr. Karl von Ellenrieder

Degree: Master of Science

provided sequence is applied to experimentally obtained images through the use of a

importance of this study.

research and to Pony for all her patience and love.

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................... viii

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................... ix

1.1 Motivation and Approach .................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Thesis Goals........................................................................................................................ 5

will be compared with expectations developed in chapter 3. Conclusions and

recommendations will be made based on the results obtained............................5

2. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD ..........................................................................................................6

2.3.1 Components ................................................................................................................ 7

2.3.2 Camera Triggering System......................................................................................... 12

2.4 Description of a Testing Run............................................................................................. 14

3. DATA PROCESSING ..................................................................................................................18

3.1 Expected Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 18

3.1.1 Expectations Based on a Theoretical Approach........................................................ 18

3.2. Image Analysis................................................................................................................. 22

3.2.1. Image Analysis Sequence ......................................................................................... 23

3.2.2.1 Measurement of Cavity Width........................................................................... 25

3.2.3 The Measuring Algorithm.......................................................................................... 28

3.3 Video Analysis................................................................................................................... 33

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................35

Error! No table of contents entries found.

Error! No table of contents entries found.

d Ventilated cavity width

Cavity speed of closure

Dw Diameter of trailing wake

Jscaled Advance coefficient scaled by velocity component along propeller shaft

n Propeller rate of revolution [Hz]

U Speed of advance of propeller

Pw Pitch of trailing edge

X Distance for triggering camera

Angular position of propeller blade

Φw Pitch angle of trailing wake

A surface-piercing propeller (SPP) is a propeller positioned so that each propeller

occurrence of vapor cavitation [2] [3].

A drawback of using SPPs is that a complete performance prediction method is

community, the design of SPPs is often performed in a trial-and-error basis.

1.1 Motivation and Approach

The motivation of the present study is to contribute to existing knowledge of

visualizations of a SPP at work will guide the development of a prediction method of

1.2 Present Study

present experiment according to [8].

(a) (b) (c)

and (c) SPP rate of revolution.

Table 1.1: SPP properties

various conditions of I , γ, Ψ, and . Using an existing model, the wake diameter,

computer algorithm will be written in order to accurately determine the dimensions of