Supersilent propellers for new generation cruise vessels

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Lavini, Gianpiero and Gustin, Gianluca and Marino, Alessandro and Tagliamonte, Edoardo; Crupi, Vicenzo and Bucci, Vittorio, eds. (2025) Supersilent propellers for new generation cruise vessels. In: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Ships and Maritime Research (NAV 2025), Messina, Italy, 18-20 June 2025. Progress in Marine Science and Technology . IOS Press, ITA, pp. 342-351. ISBN 978-1-64368-610-3 (https://doi.org/10.3233/PMST250042)

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Abstract

A higher level of Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) in the seas around the world is known to be related to the increase of the anthropogenic activities like marine traffic. Much biological research has been carried out, showing that the increased levels of URN can seriously damage the life of marine fauna. Therefore, Classification Societies and International Organizations have developed new rules to limit the underwater noise produced by ships, whose main URN source is propeller cavitation. This paper describes the numerical methods used by Fincantieri to predict the propeller URN by means of Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) coupled with the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation an the techniques developed to delete all types of cavitation on the blade surfaces, both in the silent sailing profile at low speed, and also in the transient condition at higher speed. It has to be highlighted that, for state-of-the-art cruise vessels, the low noise radiation requirements cannot compromise on propeller efficiency. Therefore, this novel propeller design procedure has been developed by employing pieces of optimisation software, where the targets of high propeller efficiency, no cavitation, and very low noise radiation are combined to converge on the best possible blade design. Additionally, a description is also provided of the comparison among the numerical predictions, dedicated URN tank tests, and sea trial measurements; it is shown that the newest Fincantieri vessels with Silent Class Notation are remarkably below the limits set by the URN rules. This target has been achieved also limiting the mechanical noise radiation from engine and other machineries with all necessary noise damping devices.

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