Flow Control of a Rim-Driven Propeller Using Vortex Generators for Enhanced Open-Water Performance

Abstract

Rim-driven propellers (RDPs) have attracted renewed attention as an efficient propulsion concept for integrated electric propulsion systems, yet their structural configuration inherently limits duct geometry modification, and viscous losses associated with boundary layer separation near the duct trailing edge remain a key performance constraint. In this study, a vortex generator-based flow control strategy is proposed as a practical means of improving RDP performance without altering the duct geometry. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations were conducted to examine the effects of vortex generators installed on the outer surface of the duct, with numerical reliability ensured through a grid convergence index (GCI) analysis. A steady-state multiple reference frame (MRF) approach was employed, and the resulting flow characteristics were analyzed using velocity profiles, line integral convolution (LIC) visualization, pressure field analysis, and distribution of the flow field in the wake. The results show that the vortex generators effectively delay boundary layer separation near the duct trailing edge by re-energizing the near-wall flow, thereby enhancing flow attachment and pressure recovery. Consequently, consistent improvements in thrust coefficient and propulsive efficiency are achieved over the entire range of advance ratios, while the increase in torque coefficient remains negligible. These findings demonstrate that vortex generator-based flow control offers a practical and effective approach for enhancing the open-water performance of rim-driven propellers under structural constraints.