Review article

OPTIMIZATION OF MARINE PROPELLERS WITH CONSTANT PITCH

Vladimir Vetma ; Faculty of Maritime Studies Split
Zlatan Kulenović ; Faculty of Maritime Studies Split
Radovan Antonić ; Faculty of Maritime Studies Split
Vinko Tomas ; Faculty of Maritime Studies Rijeka

Abstract

The marine propeller is an important part of the ship’s propulsion system. The appropriate selection of a marine propeller and its regular maintenance are a guarantee for a reliable, safe and economical propulsion. The paper presents the optimization of a marine propeller with constant pitch using sophisticated Prop Scan technology. This technology allows the complete examination of a propeller’s geometry, a diagnosis of imperfections, their removal and modification in order to achieve more favourable hydrodynamic propeller characteristics. Usually, this concerns a correction of the pitch, so the above technology may be called an optimization of the marine propeller pitch. The removal of vibrations by correcting pitch represents an essential and perhaps the most important part of the propeller optimization. Thus, the optimized propeller will have more efficient hydrodynamics, will be balanced, of correct form, and will suit the specific requirements of the ship, alongside an improvement in the ship’s output performance. The optimization of a propeller through correction of pitch is shown using a specific example. Examination and geometric measurement results are shown, as well as the hydrodynamic characteristics of marine propellers with constant pitch both before and after optimization. Enhancements in the ship’s output performance were determined. Vibrations were reduced. The diesel propulsion engine was less loaded. The ship speed increased, while fuel consumption decreased.

Keywords

marine propeller; marine propeller optimization; propeller pitch; Prop Scan technology

Hrčak ID:

94043

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/94043

Publication date:

20.12.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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