Performance study of podded propulsor in static azimuthing conditions

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on variations of propulsive characteristics of puller and pusher podded propulsors in static azimuthing open water conditions. A custom designed experimental apparatus consisting of a six-component global dynamometer and a three-component pod dynamometer was used to measure the propulsive performance of a model pod unit in pusher and puller configurations in a towing tank. The pod model was tested to measure the forces on the whole unit as well as thrust and torque of the propeller shaft for a range of advance coefficients combined with a range of static azimuth angles from +30° to −30°. The variations in forces and moments of the propulsor unit with change of azimuth angle and advance speed are presented in non-dimensional forms. The results illustrate that the propeller thrust and torque as well as the unit axial, side forces and the steering moment are complex functions of the azimuth angle and propeller loading.