DEVELOPMENT OF A PROCEDURE TO MEASURE UNSTEADY PROPELLER FORCES

The procedure developed involves measuring the unsteady propeller forces derived from operating in a circumferentially non-uniform inflow. This involves wake generation and survey, force measurement, and data analysis. The study was undertaken to expand the capability of the M.I.T. Variable Pressure Water tunnel to measure the six components (a force and moment in three dimensions) of unsteady propeller force. This is accomplished by foil and semiconductor strain gages applied to the stiff driveshaft on which the propeller is mounted. These signals are amplified, signal averaged, and computer analyzed for harmonic content. Strain gage waterproofing and electrical wiring problems encountered resulted in a limiting of the effective to partial dynamometer operation. This necessitated a more detailed description of the apparatus than usual, so that future experimenters may use component capability.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Pfister, W C
• Publication Date: 1971-6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Force; Propellers; Strain gages; Wakes; Water tunnels (Test facilities)
• Old TRIS Terms: Propeller forces; Unsteady loading; Wake surveys; Water tunnel testing
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00034671
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 29 1973 12:00AM