Abstract
A ship with her engine and propeller forms a system with a high degree of complexity. The shipbuilder has to accept contractual obligations regarding speed and revolutions. Vibrations under service conditions have always existed and been tolerated to a certain extent. The last years, however, have meant to the shipowner increasing difficulties to get his ship manned, and more attention is therefore paid to the shipboard environment. Cavitation damage to propellers has been known for a long time. With larger ships and the higher horsepowers of today’s ships, cavitation has unfortunately become a problem for many shipyards, propeller manufacturers and owners.
The above focuses upon some aspects of full scale propulsion related to the interaction between hull and propeller, which will be discussed further in the paper. We will deal only with such areas where, in our opinion, today’s knowledge is not complete enough and where further research is needed.
The intent has been to produce a paper of a general nature in order to stimulate discussion. The paper is illustrated with Figures, most of which are actual model or full scale results.
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