Analysis of hull, propeller and engine interactions in regular waves by a combination of experiment and simulation

In this study, the impact of propeller emergence on the performance of a ship (speed), propeller (thrust, torque, and RPM), a diesel engine (torque and RPM) and fuel consumption are analysed under severe sea conditions. The goal is to describe the variation in the system variables and fuel consumption rather than analysing the motion of the ship or the phenomenon of propeller ventilation in itself. A mathematical model of the...

In severe wave conditions, the ship propulsion system is loaded with high fluctuations due to external disturbances. The highly fluctuating loads enforce radical changes in the main engine torque, which in turn demands variation of the fuel rate injected into the cylinders if a constant rotational speed strategy is applied. Therefore, the temperature of gases varies to a large extent during the combustion process in the cylinders....