Abstract
The division of thrust in a lateral thrust unit between the rotor and the ships hull is considered and shown to be of the utmost importance in the design of a thrust unit. The importance of duct inlet roundings is discussed and efficient intake shapes are derived for a unit employing ducting of uniform cross-sectional area and hence having no flow contraction or diffusion. Suggestions based on practical considerations are made for modifying these shapes. These allow for added ship resistance due to the presence of the openings and the use of the unit for slow speed manoeuvring. The question of closing doors for the unit is also discussed and finally suggestions are made for testing full scale units in certain suitable cases.
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