Analysis Methods and Design Measures for the Reduction of Noise and Vibration Induced by Marine Propellers

The paper presents the ongoing work in the research project ProNoVi. The objective of the project is to improve the numerical and experimental methods for the prediction of noise and vibrations induced by a propeller operating behind ship hull in full-scale conditions. Based on the improved methods practical recommendations for the reduction of noise and vibration levels for different classes of vessels are a further objective. The propeller cavitation noise is identified as the dominating noise source, which coincides with important frequencies of perception of marine fauna and thus may have negative impact on marine life. As a side effect, reducing the noise under water will increase comfort and thus safety for crew and passengers on board. The project aims at delivering a better understanding of fundamental physical mechanisms related to turbulence, induced vorticity and cavitation dynamics, which play a decisive role in generation of tonal and broadband propeller noise. The project partners will give a joint presentation, focusing on state-of-the-art in the field, today's challenges in both the experimental and numerical approaches, and how the ProNoVi project is addressing those. ProNoVi is funded by the European Union. Further information is available at www.martera.eu/projects/pronovi.