Computational fluid dynamics analysis of different propeller models for a ship maneuvering in calm water

High-fidelity numerical analysis is performed to compare two common propeller models for surface ship maneuvering in calm water. The propeller models consist of a body force model based on an open water propeller test and a discretized propeller model. Turning circle and zig-zag maneuver are performed for the Office of Naval Research Tumblehome (ONRTH) with different propeller models to compare the predicted maneuvering char-acteristics against model test data. The results show that the discretized propeller model offers a more accurate prediction of ship maneuvering compared to the body force model adopted in this study. Lack of the propeller side force in the body force model is one of the contributors to the lower accuracy of the body force model compared to discretized propeller model. Detailed analysis of the flow field also reveals some of the shortcomings of the body force model in accurately predicting the hull, propeller and rudder interactions.