Wake analysis from the first principles of hydrodynamics

Abstract

The theoretical approach presents the dynamics of the wake under ideal conditions free from cavitations and boundary layer separation effects in the stern region during cruise of a ship. Principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy are considered in the formulation. The power rating of the propeller is found to be the dominant parameter determining the active length of the wake for the range 2x106 W< POWER < 15X106 W. However, the profile of the wake is uniquely considered independent of the power of the propeller. The assumption such as a logarithmic variation of the profile of the wake can be altered by any of the suitable functional relationship depending on aerial observations and the data.