Measurement of Propeller Cavitation Noise in the MOERI Large Cavitation Tunnel

Abstract

In recent decades, levels of noise in marine environment have been increased. Marine mammals and fishes are sensitive to sound. Commercial vessel is one of the most important sources of underwater noise pollution. Cavitation of a marine propeller is the most prevalent source of underwater noise and it is often the dominant noise source of a marine vessel. Therefore, it is important to be able to predict and to reduce a cavitation noise at the ship design stage. The propeller cavitation noise measurement tests are carried out with a model hull and a propeller in the MOERI Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT). Propeller generated noise data are acquired using hydrophones installed at the various positions and measurement equipment. The noise levels of the model propeller are scaled to full-scale results using the scale law recommended by the ITTC Cavitation Committee. The model test procedure and scaling methods are analyzed and discussed. Finally some research and development results on a propeller cavitation noise will be described.peller is the most prevalent source of underwater noise and it is often the dominant noise source of a marine vessel. Therefore, it is important to be able to predict and to reduce a cavitation noise at the ship design stage. The propeller cavitation noise measurement tests are carried out with a model hull and a propeller in the MOERI Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT). Propeller generated noise data are acquired using hydrophones installed at the various positions and measurement equipment. The noise levels of the model propeller are scaled to full-scale results using the scale law recommended by the ITTC Cavitation Committee. The model test procedure and scaling methods are analyzed and discussed. Finally some research and development results on a propeller cavitation noise will be described.