numerical investigation on the cavitating flow and the cavitation-induced noise in the pump-jet propeller

The noise hazard posed by cavitation in pump-jet propellers is a significant concern during oceanic operations. this study evaluates the cavitation performance and associated noise characteristics of pump-jet propellers in underwater conditions, further examining the interplay between cavitation phenomena and noise radiation. cavitation performance across varying advance coefficients was scrutinized using the k-ω sst turbulence model alongside the zwart cavitation model. employing lighthill’s analogy method and bubble radiation theory, analyses of flow-induced noise and noise due to cavitation were conducted. the findings indicate an intensification of cavitation within the pump-jet with increased rotational speed and a reduction in cavitation number, aligning pressure and velocity distributions with observed cavitation patterns. cavitation markedly elevates flow-induced noise levels, with noise under cavitation conditions found to be around 50 db higher compared to non-cavitation conditions. considering cavitation bubble radiation noise, the volumetric pulsations and their amplitudes in the pump-jet enlarge as the bubbles progress through initial growth to maturity. predominantly, the noise levels from bubble volume pulsations occur within low to medium frequency ranges.