Analysis of tip leakage vortex of different blade in ducted propeller

The effects of pitch ratio and blade area ratio on the tip leakage vortex (TLV) were studied in a ducted propeller. Furthermore, the relationship among the TLV, tip loading and tip leakage flow (TLF) of different blades was discussed. The flow field of the ducted propeller with several different blades was numerically simulated and analyzed and the results showed that as the pitch ratio increased, the tip leakage vortex moved away from the suction side of the blade, and the core cavitation number decreased. As the blade area ratio grew, the vortex core trajectory did not alter, and the vortex core cavitation number rose. The TLV was influenced by TLF through flow shearing, while the TLF was controlled by the tip loading, the velocity of TLF at the position with heavier loading was higher.