This study analyzed the duct characteristics of hubless rim-driven propeller (RDP) used in underwater robots. In the previous study, flow visualization experiments were performed with an advancing ratio of 0.2 to 1. The vortex at the front of the duct increased in strength while maintaining its size as the advancing ratio decreased. Therefore, it is necessary to study the optimization of the duct shape. Conventional propeller thrusters use acceleration/deceleration ducts to increase their efficiency. However, unlike conventional propellers, it is impossible to apply to airfoil acceleration/deceleration ducts due to the RDP structure. In this study, duct wake flow characteristics, thrust force, and efficiency according to the duct shape of RDP were analyzed using numerical analysis techniques. Duct design is limited and six duct shapes were designed. As a result, an optimized duct shape was designed considering duct wake flow characteristics, thrust force, and efficiency. The shape that the outlet width of the RDP was kept constant until the end of the duct showed higher thrust force and efficiency.

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.