|
|
|
|
With the increased interest in arctic shipping the number of vessels navigating or being constructed capable of navigating in arctic conditions is increasing. As this increase continues new builds which are designed to include ice navigation as a part of their expected working year, are adapting different propulsion systems based on their open water characteristics for use in ice. These systems include podded propulsors, whose ability to direct thrust in any direction greatly improves manoeuvrability. However, as these technologies have become more and more widespread in application for arctic vessels the regulations for classifying their use has not kept pace. Currently, work is ongoing to update all of the regulations governing the design of vessels for arctic navigation, including the propulsion systems, by the International Association of Classification Societies. However, there is a lack of information as to the loads occurring on the podded propeller systems operating in ice. Hence, this study aims to close the knowledge gap for this type of propulsion systems. The paper describes the experimental setup designed and built at NRC-IMD, Canada, for measuring the loads on a podded propeller system operating in ice. The experimental system is designed to measure the loads on three levels: 1- loads on an individual blade (6 components), 2- loads on the propeller shaft (thrust and torque) and, the fore and aft bearings which support the propeller shaft (6 components), 3- global forces and moments on the propeller + pod + strut system (6 component). The propeller, a similar design to an R-Class vessel’s propeller, is 0.30m in diameter and has four blades. The pod is 0.95m long with a 0.17m diameter. The strut has a uniform cross section with a span of 0.45m. Experiments will be conducted at various headings form 0° to 180°, thrust directions (aft or forward), ice sheet thickness' and advance coefficients. Preliminary results will be included in the presentation. |
|
Send mail to
tpod@ncl.ac.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
