Dynamic modeling and analysis of axial vibration of a coupled propeller and shaft system

The dynamic and acoustic characteristics of a coupled propeller and shaft system which is modeled by the transfer matrix method are studied. The elasticity of the propeller is taken into consideration by employing the equivalent reduced modeling method. Thus the influence of the elastic propeller on the vibro-acoustic responses of the coupled system is investigated. To reduce the axial vibration of the coupled propeller-shaft system, the influence and location of the vibration isolator on the structural and acoustic responses is presented. Simulation results demonstrate that utilizing the relationship between the natural frequency of the propeller and the resonance frequency range of the shaft can control the vibration of the coupled system without other vibration control method. Utilizing a vibration isolator is another effective way to control vibration. The optimal position for the isolator installed between the shaft and the thrust bearing is investigated.