An Advanced Concept for Propeller‐driven Surface Effect Ships (Ses)

Abstract

The Surface Effect Ships Project Office (SESPO) in conjunction with the Naval Research and Development Center (NSRDC) has been conducting basic super‐cavitating propellor research since 1967. This effort has included investigations into the effects of many various configurations in order to obtain a better understanding and the necessary design data for the application of these propellers to Surface Effect Ships (SES). Of particular interest are the recent results of experimentation with partially submerged supercavitating propellers (PSSCP) at various angles of attack, i.e., propeller shaft inclination and blade rake. This effort was motivated by potential gains in propeller efficiency, reduction of transverse forces, and more flexible machinery arrangements. Although this research does not attempt to optimize propeller design characteristics and many questions remain to be answered, the results to date do confirm that such benefits can be realized in a practical intallation for any high performance craft. For the Definitions and Notation used throughout the paper, the Reader is referred to APPENDIX I following the References.