Non-conventional propulsion devices

Abstract

In this paper the application of non-conventional propulsion devices and the motives thereof with respect to merchant ships are considered. This is done from the viewpoints of efficiency, cavitation, vibrations, stopping, manoeuvring, safety and economics. The propulsion devices considered are:

controllable pitch propellers,

overlapping propellers,

contra-rotating propellers,

ducted propellers,

vertical axis propellers and

high speed propulsion devices, including air propulsion.

The main part of this paper has been presented at the 2nd Symposium on Marine Propellers, The Society of Naval Architects of Japan, Tokyo, 24–25 November, 1971. The illustrations have been compiled from available N.S.M.B.-material; the bibliography is of an international character.