@article{ZHANG2026, 
author = {Mengzheng ZHANG and Xinming LI and Han LI and Qiaogao HUANG and Denghui QIN and Kechun SHEN},
title = {The influence of a composite duct on the hydrodynamic and vibration characteristics of a pump-jet propulsor},
year = {2026},
journal = {Chinese Journal of Ship Research},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {167-176},
keywords = {pump-jet propulsor, CFRC duct, hydrodynamic performance, vibration response, dry and wet modes, fluid-structure interaction (FSI)},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.19693/j.issn.1673-3185.04322},
doi = {10.19693/j.issn.1673-3185.04322},
abstract = {ObjectiveTo address the lightweight and vibration reduction needs of pump-jet propulsors, this study proposes the use of carbon fiber-reinforced composites （CFRC） in propulsor ducts.MethodFirst, a two-way CFD/FEM fluid-structure interaction （FSI） method was developed to capture structural responses caused by hydrodynamic forces. This enabled a systematic analysis of the effects of structural deformation on both hydrodynamic performance and shaft excitation characteristics. Subsequently, a duct model was developed to investigate the impact of the composite material on hydrodynamic performance, vibration transmission mechanisms, and structural responses.ResultsComposite ducts exhibited structural deformations of 10−7 m, indicating a negligible impact on hydrodynamic performance. The natural frequencies of the first four wet modes showed a 65.3%—80.2% reduction compared to the corresponding dry modes. Vibration analysis revealed a 1.0533 dB reduction in total acceleration level at stator-duct connections compared to bronze alloy ducts, though a slight rebound in vibration performance was observed under internal surface excitation.ConclusionThe study strongly confirms the role of composites in lightweight design, vibration reduction, and performance optimization, providing a basis for propulsor design.}
}