Study on the cavitation characteristics and noise mechanisms of a propeller under non-uniform inflow

In propeller-driven propulsion applications, the influence of non-uniform inflow on propeller cavitation processes and noise characteristics is inevitable. To further elucidate the mechanisms by which hydrofoil wake vortices affect propeller surface cavitation behavior and noise propagation, this study systematically investigates propeller operation under various hydrofoil angles of attack using numerical simulations. The complex interaction mechanisms among hydrofoil wake vortices, propeller blade tip vortices, and the propeller itself are explored. The results show that hydrofoil wake vortices, by altering the local inflow velocity magnitude and direction, exert opposite effects on the cavitation behavior of blades at different positions. Additionally, under the influence of hydrofoil wake vortices, the strength of the propeller blade tip vortices is significantly reduced, and the onset of instability occurs earlier. It is also found that the overall noise intensity and radiation characteristics of the propeller are notably affected by non-uniform inflow conditions.