LAUSR

abstract The thruster-thruster interaction in the vector layout propulsion system of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) should be considered. The influence of the deflection angle, rotation speed, and thrusters (ducted propellers) spacing on the ROV thrust performance was analyzed. The previously reported empirical formula has shortcomings in predicting the thruster-thruster interaction at small deflection angles (0°–10°). When the two thrusters were in a tandem condition, the total forward thrust increased first and then decreased with the increase in the forward thruster deflection angle. The maximum thrust occurred when the forward thruster deflection angle was about 15°. When the four thrusters in a vector layout were divided into left and right groups, the interaction between the two groups was small. The thrust of the single thruster was significantly influenced by the change of the transverse spacing. However, it was not significantly influenced by the change of the longitudinal spacing. The change of the rotational speed had little influence on the thrust of the downstream thruster. The thrust loss was less influenced by the change of the spacing and rotational speed than the deflection angle.