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The problem of an isolated free-running propeller–rudder combination is tackled in the present paper. The activity concerns phase-averaged velocity measurements by LDV along two transversal planes of the wake, just in the front and behind the rudder. In addition, visualizations of the chordwise interaction between the tip vortex filaments and the rudder, performed using a time resolved CMOS camera, are presented. The major phenomena that affect the performance of a rudder in the race of a propeller, with special emphasis on unsteady-flow aspects, are highlighted in this paper.

In the present study an experimental analysis of the velocity and pressure fields behind a marine propeller, in non-cavitating regime is reported. Particle image velocimetry measurements were performed in phase with the propeller angle, to investigate the evolution of the axial and the radial velocity components, from the blade trailing edge up to two diameters downstream. In phase pressure measurements were performed at four radial and eight longitudinal positions downstream the propeller model at different advance ratios. Pressure data, processed by using slotting techniques, allowed reconstructing the evolution of the pressure field in phase with the reference blade position. In addition, the correlation of the velocity and pressure signals was performed. The analysis demonstrated that, within the near wake, the tip vortices passage is the most important contribution in generating the pressure field in the propeller flow. The incoming vortex breakdown process causes a strong deformation of the hub vortex far downstream of the slipstream contraction. This process contributes to the pressure generation at the shaft rate frequency.