Thesis work: Influence of propeller pressure pulsations on hull vibrations and structure-borne noise

Job description

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. About us Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications.

Volvo Penta has developed a global leadership and one of the industry’s strongest brands. At Volvo Penta the CAE department work with simulation models (FEA, MBD, CFD, 1D, etc.) in close cooperation with the NVH department which work with measurements (vibration, strain, sound, etc.) in test environment (especially at the Volvo Penta Marine Test Center) and in the field.

Background

Propellers are a dominant source of onboard noise and vibration. A major contribution comes from the pressure pulsations generated as the loaded, often cavitating, propeller blades pass the hull. These fluctuating pressures excite the hull plating and radiate as structure-borne noise. This is one of two main transfer paths for propeller-induced vibration: Fluid-borne: pressure pulsations and cavitation acting on the hull surface.

Structure-borne

forces transmitted through the shaft line and gearbox into the mounting points. It is currently unclear which path dominates, and there is no established method for accounting for the propeller pressure-pulsation contribution.

Thesis work objective

Investigate how propeller pressure pulsations transfer into the boat and contribute to hull vibration and structure-borne noise, compared with the gearbox path. The work focuses on structural dynamics, vibrations and acoustics. CFD data is provided by Volvo Penta specialists and used as input. Activities

• Literature study of propeller pressure pulsations, hull vibration and noise, including the added-mass effect of the surrounding water.
• FE modelling of an example hull and mapping of CFD pressure results onto the structure.
• Comparison of the vibration contribution from pressure pulsations versus the gearbox path.
• Development, if feasible, of a simplified method for accounting for the phenomenon.
• Acoustic simulation of the engine room.

Qualifications and Personal Profile

You should have knowledge of

• Solid and fluid mechanics
• Finite element method
• Structural dynamics and vibrations
• Acoustics

Hydrodynamics Preferred masters program

• Applied Mechanics Thesis Level: Master (30 ECTS points)

Language

Swedish or English Starting date: January 2027 Number of students: 1-2 students Last application date: 30 October 2027 Examiner proposal: if available Entity: AB Volvo Penta, Gothenburg, Sweden Contact: Jakob Alm, Simulation Engineer, [email protected]

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Volvo Group . Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. ​We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. ​We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Volvo Penta , a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who works with passion, trust each other and embraces change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.