Abstract:The electric field generated by propeller wakes exhibits the characteristics of long duration and difficulty in elimination, making it a promising detection source in the field of underwater non-acoustic detection. Focusing on the signal characteristic and generation principles of this signal, pool test research was conducted. Test data were compared with related simulations and actual ship test results, with emphasis on the dual-frequency characteristic of the electric field signal generated by an outboard gasoline propeller.Test results incicate that the frequency of the propeller wake electric field signal is linearly related to the shaft frequency. The frequency of the signal is around 10Hz, while the frequency for the actual ship‘s wake electric field signal would be lower. It is preliminarlily confirmed that the generation mechanism is the rotation of water driven by the propeller. When the wake formation is disrupted, the corresponding frequency will disappear. This work lays the foundation for the subsequent research on the wake electric field signal.
