Case Study: Nakashima Propeller achieves more efficient marine propeller design with Hexagon SC/Tetra

Using fluid analysis capabilities to improve marine propeller efficiency and stay ahead of international competition

Nakashima Propeller, a major marine propeller manufacturer, was challenged with designing more efficient, eco-friendly propellers to meet stringent international greenhouse gas reduction guidelines. To stay ahead of competition, the company needed advanced tools to accurately predict and control cavitation, a phenomenon that causes erosion and vibration, which was difficult to assess during the design phase. This led them to seek a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solution from the vendor Hexagon.

Hexagon implemented its SC/Tetra CFD software, which provided Nakashima Propeller with the essential capability to simulate cavitation and calculate erosion risks. A key result was the co-development of a new erosion index function within the software, which allowed engineers to minimize blade surface area and improve propeller efficiency. Hexagon's solution enabled the company to develop new energy-saving devices, drastically reduce analysis time from weeks to a single day, and cut down on the number of costly physical prototype tests required.

Nakashima Propeller

Akinori Okazaki

Propeller, Deputy Manager