This study analyzed the wake characteristics of the rim-driven propeller (RDP) used in an underwater robot. For underwater robots to perform specific missions, not only propulsion characteristics but also wake characteristics must be considered. In this study, a blade was designed based on NAC 0012 with a symmetrical cross-section. The RDP was hubless with three or four blades. The influence of both the free water surface and the bottom was considered, and the wake was measured using a particle image velocimetry in the advance ratio of 0.2 to 1. Model 1 showed symmetrical wakes in the entire advance ratio section. Model 2 showed asymmetric wakes due to the influence of the free water surface and the bottom at low advance ratio.

• 이창제(한국해양대학교 해사산업연구소) | Chang-Je LEE (Institute of Maritime Industry, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea)
• 허민아(한국수산해양공학연구소) | Min-Ah HEO (Korea Institute of Fisheries and Ocean Engineering, Busan 48508, Korea)
• 조경래(한국해양대학교 기계공학부) | Gyeong-Rae CHO (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea)
• 김형호(경상국립대학교 기계공학부) | Hyoung-Ho KIM (School of Mechanical Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Gyeongnam 52725, Korea) Corresponding author