Ship Propulsion

The objective of the course is to provide students with advanced knowledge of ship propulsion, with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic principles governing propeller operation and the interaction between the hull, propeller, and propulsion system. Students will develop competencies in the analysis and prediction of ship propulsive performance, propeller selection and design, determination of propulsion power requirements, and evaluation of propulsion system efficiency using modern engineering methods. Particular attention is given to understanding the influence of propeller geometry and operating conditions on propulsive characteristics, as well as to the application of modern technical solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of ships, in accordance with applicable international regulations and standards.

The learning outcome of the course is the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the field of ship propulsion, with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic principles governing propeller operation and the interaction between the propeller, hull, and propulsion system. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, fluid mechanics, and engineering sciences to the analysis and prediction of ship propulsive performance, as well as to understand the physical mechanisms affecting propeller operation and efficiency. The student will be capable of analyzing the influence of propeller geometric and hydrodynamic characteristics, as well as inflow conditions, on the propulsive performance of ships. The student will acquire knowledge of propeller model testing, analysis of experimental results, and procedures for extrapolating model-scale results to full-scale propellers. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to select and apply appropriate empirical, analytical, and numerical methods for propeller design, determination of propulsion power requirements, and evaluation of propulsion system efficiency, taking into account technical constraints and available installation space. The student will also be capable of critically evaluating different technical solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of ships, as well as using and assessing relevant scientific and technical literature in solving complex engineering problems related to ship propulsion.

The student gains an understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena defining propeller operation, including the interaction between the ship's hull and the propeller, the coordinated functioning of the propeller and engine, and the processes involved in propeller selection and design using common engineering methods. Special emphasis is placed on both open-water propeller tests and self-propulsion tests, enabling students to acquire the essential skills to conduct, manage, or commission such tests and effectively analyze their outcomes. Detailed analysis is conducted on the transmission of power from the engine to the propeller, as it significantly influences the characteristics of the optimal propeller and the required power of the main engine. In addition, students are acquainted with a range of contemporary technical solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of ship propulsion systems, along with relevant regulations on technical and environmental requirements in ship propulsion. Lastly, students are introduced to a diverse range of propulsors, some of which are based on traditional propeller designs (such as propellers in nozzles, counter-rotating propellers, tandem propellers, etc.), while others represent more innovative designs found in relatively uncommon ship types or vessels (such as water-jet propulsors, propulsors with vertical wings, etc.). In addition, theoretical instruction covers the fundamental elements necessary for conducting sea trials, particularly concerning ship propulsion.

As part of practical teaching, alongside the typical computational tasks accompanying theoretical chapters, there is a particular emphasis on the development of an individual and independent project (which continues on the project from the course Ship Resistance). In short, the project entails implementing calculations using standard engineering methods, including computer/software applications, to select or design an optimal propeller and determine the characteristics of an appropriate main engine. Special attention is paid to the energy efficiency of the adopted solution.

Exam passed in Ship Resistance.

Extracts from lectures (handouts)/In Serbian Instructions for project design /In Serbian Additional literature obtained during lectures Internet resources

Total assigned hours: 75

New material: 30
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 0

Auditory exercises: 10
Laboratory exercises: 0
Calculation tasks: 10
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 10
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 0
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 0
Review and grading of the project: 10
Test: 0
Test: 0
Final exam: 5

Activity during lectures: 5
Test/test: 0
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 35
Final exam: 60
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 30

E. Lewis,(editor): Principles of Naval Architecture (Chapter VI – Propulsion), SNAME, Jersey City, 1988.; SNAME’s Principles of Naval Architecture Series: Propulsion, Justin E. Kerwin and Jacques B. Hadler, 2010.; A. F. Molland, S. R. Turnock and D. A. Hudson, Ship resistance and propulsion, Cambridge University Press, 2017.; John Carlton, Marine Propellers and Propulsion, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2012.; Radojčić, D., Kalajdžić, M., Simić, A., Power Prediction Modeling of Conventional High-Speed Craft, Springer, 2019.