WATERJET PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS PREDICTION BASED ON CFD SIMULATION AND BASIC PRINCIPLES OF WATERJET PROPULSION

The method of predicting the performance characteristics of waterjets based on CFD simulation and the basic principles of waterjet propulsion is introduced in this paper. The characteristics of waterjet pump are derived from the numerical calculation by means of CFD. The head and power of pump as a function of flow rate at design rotational speed are calculated firstly and converted into dimensionless form, from which the pump characteristics for varying rotational speed are deduced easily according to the similarity law of standard pump technology. Then the performance characteristics of waterjets are represented both in the form of constant power lines and in the form of constant rotational speed lines and compared with each other, of which procedures to be determined are stated in brief by the aid of schematic diagrams. The results of this paper can be used for the propulsive performance prediction of waterjet systems in preliminary stages and to assist the deck officers in manoeuvring vessels in an easier way.