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TWO-STAGE WATER-JETS FOR HIGH-SPEED COMMERCIAL CRAFT

With the recent trend for commercial craft to travel at higher speeds have come changes in hull forms and propulsion methods. The water-jet has become increasingly popular as the propulsion unit for these craft. The reasons for this are outlined. For speeds above 40 kn there are some advantages in using two-stage axial flow water-jet designs. The attractions of this layout are explored, covering the suitability of the pump characteristics for these high speeds, their high resistance to cavitation and their tolerance of aerated water. Over 30 years of experience in New Zealand with multistage water-jets in small fast jet propelled craft, running at speeds up to about 90 kn is described. It is noted that these craft are effectively 1.5 scale models of the modern fast ferry and constitute a large body of experience with multistage axial flow water-jets. Large commercial two-stage water-jets for 40-60 kn have recently been developed at Hamiltons based on this experience, and the expertise gained in 10 years of commercial single-stage jet production. Now that some of these jets are running, reference boats, including turbine-powered craft, are becoming available. An example is discussed. In conclusion it is predicted that, as speeds rise towards the 50 kn mark, the two-stage axial flow water-jet may well become the preferred propulsion unit for commercial craft.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • IMAS '91, Intl Conf High Speed Marine Transportation; Sydney, Australia, 11-13 Nov 1991. Organised & Sponsored by Inst Marine Engrs. Pprs. Publ by Marine Management (Holdings) Ltd. Ppr 15, p 141 [6 p, 9 fig]
  • Authors:
    • Alexander, K
  • Publication Date: 1991

Language

  • English

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00703492
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM