Module overview
Maximising the propulsive efficiency of ships is key to their economic effectiveness and in minimising their emissions of CO2, NOx and SOx. Advances in ship performance require a detailed understanding of the fluid dynamic mechanisms which control the flow around the hull creating resistance, the interaction of the hull wake with the propulsor and overall how the propulsor can be optimised based on the operational profile of the ship. Alongside this the methods whereby renewable resources such as wind and wave can contribute to ship propulsion will become an important element of design. The module takes a fundamental approach to ship resistance and propulsion examining in detail the latest experimental techniques for measuring resistance components and time varying flow fields, theoretical methods for predicting resistance and propeller performance at concept design and the use of computational fluid dynamic based approaches. The aim is is to provide a pathway towards the design of future zero carbon ships which minimise energy requirements and cost.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Think, observe, communicate, evaluate information and data, analyse and solve problems.
- Apply experimental and theoretical methodologies to judge effectiveness of proposed ship designs
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Detail the fundamental aspects of ship resistance and propulsion and critically evaluate how appropriate choices will improve environmental impact by improving efficiency
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Propose how CFD analysis can aid the hull and propeller design process.
- Formulate the various ship resistance components and assess their experimental measurement
- Appraise theoretical approaches to ship resistance and critique the design of propellers.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe in detail the derivation and application of ship resistance components.
- Apply theoretical approaches to ship resistance and propeller design.
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- C1/M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics of ship resistance components and fluid dynamic principles to the solution of complex problem of ship resistance components and propeller design. This work, for ship energy efficiency is at the forefront of research methods developed by the maritime engineering group and informed by a critical awareness of new developments in zero carbon shipping engineering. Assessed in final Exam M2/C2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. Assessed in final Exam M3/C3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model the complex problems of wake adapted propeller design and evaluation of wave resistance, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. Assessed in assignment 1 and 2. M4/C4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature from the ITTC and other sources of information to solve complex problems of the accuracy of full scale power predictions from experiments and CFD. Assessed in Assign 3. M6/C6 Apply an integrated or systems approach based on use of analytical methods, computational tools and model scale experimental tests to the solution of complex problem of ship energy efficiency. Assessed in Assign 1 and 2. M12/C12 Use KCS powering laboratory to investigate the influence of drift angle on complex problem of hull-propeller rudder interaction and its impact on ship energy efficiency complex problems. Assessed in Assign 3 C7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems of zero carbon ship energy efficiency and minimise adverse impacts of costs associated with more expensive energy sources. Formative workshops and final exam.
Syllabus
The challenge of zero carbon ship design for maximising propulsive efficiency and using renewable resources such as wind and wave.
Momentum analysis of flow round hull: leading to wave pattern, viscous and induced resistance components.
Experimental determination of ship resistance components:
(i)Wave resistance from wave pattern measurements, methods of wave analysis.
(ii)Total viscous resistance by wake traverse.
(iii)Measurement of resistance due to surface shear stress.
(iv)Measurement of pressure drag.
Application of advanced optical based flow field measurements for CFD validation and diagnostic performance analysis
Use of the various experimental techniques to derive form factors.
On-going work of the International Towing Tank Conference
Wake: Origins, methods of measurement, detailed wake surveys, mean wake and radial distribution; wake scale effects. Tangential wake components; influence on blade velocity diagram. Influence of tangential wake variations on propeller loading.
Computational and Theoretical approaches: Theoretical predictions of wave resistance and comparisons with experiment. Application of CFD to free surface ship self-propulsion. Thinship, RANS and volume of fluid. Momentum sources and blade element. Outline descriptions of recent developments in modelling wake and viscous resistance.
Theoretical approach to propeller design: Review of theoretical approaches to propeller design including lifting surface approaches, panel methods and blade-element-momentum theories.
Development of blade-element-momentum theory in some detail; Goldstein correction factors. Flow curvature effects and corrections to section design. Optimum radial loading. Wake adapted propellers. Waterjet efficiency.
Design examples using blade-element-momentum theory
Cavitation Erosion and its impact on propeller alongside propeller noise and vibration effects.
Overall approach to maximising propulsive efficiency. opportunities with wind and wave energy to improve performance and reduce cost. Difference in design approach for electric vs internal combustion engine powered ships. Wind assist systems and influence of waves on powering. Use of operational profiles to optimise hydrodynamic design
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- A course of lectures supported by assignments and directed self-study, with sessions associated with laboratory/design labs.
Learning activities include
(1) Individual work on resistance and propeller calculations/examples
(2) Small group laboratory activity measuring model scale ship performance and resistance components.
(3) Carrying out a propeller design and performance assessment
(4) Using computational theoretical fluid dynamics analysis to predict full scale ship power
(5) Appreciating the uncertainty inherent in scale experimental methods and computational analysis
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 2 |
| Revision | 36 |
| Completion of assessment task | 48 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Wider reading or practice | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 6 |
| Seminar | 2 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Molland, A.F. and Turnock S.R., (2021). Marine Rudders, Hydrofoils and Control Surfaces. Butterworth-Heinmann.
Carlton, J.S., (1994). Marine Propellers and Propulsion. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Bertram, V. (2000). Practical ship hydrodynamics. Butterworth-Heinneman.
Molland, A.F., Turnock, S.R., Hudson, D.A., (2017). Ship Resistance and Propulsion: Practical Estimation of Ship Propulsive Power. Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Blackboard based submission/feedback with detailed class session to cover general points.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 40% |
| Final Assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External