A WATER-TURBINE DRIVEN PROPELLER FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SHIP PROPULSION

The feasibility of a water-turbine driven propeller is investigated for high performance craft. The proposed system uses a gas turbine driven pump installed in the craft. The high pressure output from this pump is used to spin a ducted marine propeller by means of an impulse turbine attached to a ring around the propeller's tips. This system appears to be attractive for crafts operating at speeds up to 50 knots. It also appears to offer an appreciable reduction in propulsive machinery weight as well as elimination of mechanical transmissions and reduction gears. Propulsive efficiencies of the order of 43 to 46 percent are attainable. A point design for a 120 ton, 40 knot hydrofoil is presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  1290 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Webster, W C
  • Shacham, I
• Publication Date: 1977-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 11-17
• Serial:
  • Journal of Hydronautics
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ducted propellers; Engine efficiency; Gas turbines; Performance; Propulsion; Pumps; Vehicle power plants; Water pumps; Waterjet propelled craft; Waterjets
• Uncontrolled Terms: Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Propulsive efficiency; Waterjet propulsion; Waterjet pump performance
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149531
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM