Description: Propeller dynamometers are measuring devices that determine the performance of ship propellers. They have a submerged shaft to which scaled model propellers can be installed. This shaft is driven by an electric motor via a gearbox. Sensors installed on the shaft record thrust and torque, which can be used to determine the efficiency. All components are enclosed in a streamlined housing to minimize their disturbance of the flow. In model tests, it both drives the propeller, as well as serving to precisely measure its performance. All components are enclosed in a streamlines housing to prevent flow disturbances.

Application: The device offers the opportunity to investigate innovative propeller geometries for future ship propulsion. Efficient propellers contribute directly to reducing fuel consumption and thus CO₂ emissions from shipping. In addition to increasing propulsion efficiency, investigations into underwater noise radiation, cavitation behavior, and vibrations are also of interest, especially under off-design conditions.

Aims:

• Development of thruster solutions for underwater vehicles
• Experimental investigations on novel propeller geometries (tororidal propellers, ring propellers) into efficiency and underwater radiated noise (URN)
• Research on seismic signatures of intact and damaged propellers
• Record of four quadrant propeller open water characteristics

Contact:
Iven Topp
Phone: +49 (0) 381 498 9273
Mail: iven.topp(a)uni-rostock.de

Funding: The device is funded by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (EFRE for german Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung) as part of the 2021–2027 EFRE program in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.