APPLICATION OF SUPERCONDUCTING MOTORS TO SUPERCAVITATING HYDROFOIL PROPULSION

The use of superconductors in the field windings of large synchronous rotating electrical machines virtually eliminates the need for magnetic iron core material and hence reduces the size and weight requirements for a given power level. This possible reduction in size and weight can be exploited in the propulsion of hydrofoil craft. Present hydrofoil propulsion schemes all have serious salient disadvantages that have stimulated the search for a better propulsion scheme for hydrofoil craft. This thesis proposes the use of a novel dual armature superconducting induction motor. The motor would be encased in a water tight pod and placed on the end of a foil strut and directly drive a super-cavitating propeller. A mathematical model is developed and the size and parameters of a 21000 horsepower motor are determined. The resulting model is statically and dynamically analyzed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Solan, J M
• Publication Date: 1973-6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric power; Electrical systems; Hydrofoils; Propulsion; Supercavitating hydrofoils; Superconductivity
• Old TRIS Terms: Hydrofoil propulsion machinery
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048388
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Report/Paper Numbers: MS Thesis
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 14 1973 12:00AM