Morphing-Duct and Twin Pumpjet Propulsion Concept Design

Existing 50-hp engines used on the Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) do not provide the top speed, payload, and range characteristics necessary for missions requiring high speeds and low vibrations across a wide range of craft loads (e.g., light to heavy loading). Designing propulsors with high performance away from an optimum design point remains a difficult problem. Creare and our Research Institution Partner propose to meet the DoDs design targets by developing and evaluating the feasibility of two advanced propulsion concepts: (1) a morphing-duct pumpjet propulsor, and (2) a twin pumpjet propulsor. Both concepts will employ optimized blade design and flow conditioning devices to reduce cavitation and vibrations. In Phase I, we will demonstrate feasibility and recommend a best concept by using Navy-trusted computational tools to predict hydrodynamic performance. In the Phase I Option, we will produce a detailed demonstration prototype design and testing plan. In Phase II, we will build and test the demonstration prototype.