Optimization Analysis for Blade Propeller

The most important component in ship that makes transportation from one place to another possible is screw propeller. A propeller which has similar looks to a fan functions as transmitting power by using rotational motion theory in generating thrust which create pressure difference of fluid in front and back surface of propeller’s blade for acceleration. It is important to ensure the propeller are always in good condition all the time. Hence, in designing the propeller model, the fatigue strength and flow performance in water must be considered. In this project, the propeller is to be based on INSEAN E779A model. Related journal and articles were studied to get more knowledge about this project. The objective of this project is to determine the optimum design for propeller that will be an upgrade to the original model that achieves higher fatigue strength and performance of propeller in water. In determining the optimum design for propeller, different designs of propeller are created in Solidwork by changing the dimensions and properties. Simulation for finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) will be carried out on all the designs created. In fatigue analysis, maximum von misses stress, strain, deformation and factor of safety will be obtained where in flow analysis, velocity and pressure trajectory will be obtained. The results obtained from simulation analysis were then compared to find which design among all is the optimum choice. Finally, optimized design of propeller determined in this project is changed to 3.0mm thickness, 40 ° twist angle on propeller plate, and 110 ° angle between leading edge and propeller’s hub. In conclusion, the improved version of propeller generates higher fatigue strength and higher performances in fluid. Besides, the propeller successfully generate maximum von misses stress that is lower than yield strength which avoid the propeller from breaking.