The effect of limited depth and width of waterway on performance of ducted propellers

Abstract

Model tests of propeller performance in bollard conditions, in deep and shallow water, were carried out at Ship Design and Research Centre in Gdańsk. Corresponding calculations of propeller performance with account for finite dimensions of canal cross-section were carried out at Wrocław University of Technology by using their own theoretical model of propeller – hull interaction. The calculations were carried out in model scale, at the same water depth as in model tests. For given hull form, propeller geometry and canal cross-section the HPSDK computer code was used to calculate wake fraction, as well as propeller thrust, torque and efficiency. The distribution of pressure on waterway bottom and ship sinkage were also determined.