Underwater radiated noise is an important design consideration for underwater vehicles, and propellers are one of the dominant noise sources. Therefore, reducing propeller noise while maintaining propulsion performance remains an important research topic. In this paper, a toroidal propeller configuration is proposed, and a parametric modeling and numerical evaluation framework is established. The reliability of the numerical method is verified through grid independence analysis and comparison with experimental data. Using this framework, the effects and underlying mechanisms of the axial blade spacing and connecting-ring camber on the hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic performance are systematically investigated. Based on these investigations, a preferred toroidal propeller model that balances efficiency and acoustic performance within the investigated parameter range is selected and comprehensively compared with the baseline propeller. The results indicate that the axial blade spacing and connecting-ring camber exhibit a significant control effect on the hydrodynamic and acoustic performance of the toroidal propeller. Compared with the baseline propeller, the preferred toroidal propeller achieves an average noise reduction of 6.387 dB in the axial direction. This study provides a theoretical basis and engineering guidance for the design of a new generation of high-efficiency and low-noise propellers.
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