The CFD Study for the Prediction of Available Net Thrust on an Arctic Vessel

As Arctic sea ice continues to recede due to global warming, interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is increasing. While vessel speed and power in open water can be reliably estimated using established methods, predicting the performance of an ice breaking vessel in ice covered waters remains a challenge. This paper investigates the prediction of net thrust for an ice breaking vessel using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Predicting the attainable speed in ice conditions is critical for design and operational safety. This study examines various factors affecting net thrust, focusing on a POD propulsion system and appendages such as skegs. Specifically, the impact of geometric design modifications including the pitch ratio and expanded area ratio of the propeller are analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of skeg configuration, such as position and quantity, is evaluated. Finally, the study addresses numerical methodologies, particularly the treatment of propeller rotation in simulations, to enhance the accuracy of performance predictions.