Research on hydrodynamic characteristics of Magnus rotor wing at medium/low speed

Magnus rotor wing is a novel roll reduction device that it generates anti-rolling force through the rotation of the rotor wing installed at the bilge of ship hull to reduce ship's roll motion. It is effective at medium/low speed and at zero speed, which is different from fin stabilizer. This paper focuses on the situation that the rotor wing is perpendicular to ship hull. The lift generating and anti-rolling mechanism of Magnus rotor wing are analyzed based on Kutta-Joukowski theorem. The hydrodynamic characteristics of Magnus rotor wing at medium/low speed is achieved using CFD software Fluent. The relationship between the lift/drag of the rotor wing and its rotation speed at a certain sailing speed is analyzed and discussed in details. The numerical simulation results have a good correspondence with theory analysis results. Finally, The conclusion that Magnus rotor wing is more suitable for ship roll stabilization at medium/low speed is achieved.